By Özgür Ekşi
It is reported that India reacts Bangladesh's request to acquire Otokar-made Tulpar. India's next move concerning Bangladesh might mark a new era with Turkiye.
Bangladesh’s strategic importance lays on its location in the Bay of Bengal, which is one of the most critical points of waterway trade from China to Europe. Bangladesh was hostile to Pakistan since 1971 due to the genocide it suffered while gaining independence from Pakistan and had close relations with India. Turkiye, on the other hand, supports close relations with both Pakistan and Bangladesh. India, on the other hand, has shown its side by standing by Armenia in the Karadag War between Azerbaijan and Armenia and by selling weapons to Armenia since then. It has shown its attitude towards Turkiye by removing TAIS from the Oiler and Logistics Support Ship project.
In July 2024, the internal balances in Bangladesh changed and this new situation is also showing itself in international relations. The country’s “iron lady”, the daughter of leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who gained independence in 1971, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country to India after the demonstrations that started in July. The country the prime minister’s fled caused bilateral relations to deteriorate. The incident that ignited the fuse of the demonstrations was the prime minister’s decision to open job quotas for the relatives of those who lost their lives in 1971. The protests of this discrimination by the youth at Dhaka University have today turned into rapprochement with Pakistan and distancing from India.
When it comes to Bangladesh's political relations, Dhaka University is not like any other ordinary university. Protests against Pakistan's designation of Urdu as the sole official language began in 1952, and this University was one of the nuclei of the demonstrations against the decision.
As a result of the episodes that began here, a great number of students lost their lives. Due to this particular case, the University has evolved into one of the symbols that represent the nation's independence. China and Pakistan, who do not want Bangladesh to form strong links with India, are pleased with this new situation. However, India is seeking a solution to protect its sphere of influence since the Sea of Bengal is of essential importance to India. The following is a summary of the significance of the Sea of Bengal to India:
Maritime Commerce and Economic Interests in South Africa
Principal Commercial Routes: A significant commercial corridor connects the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia, and it is an important trade route. The sea is the conduit for much of India's international trade.
Two significant ports on the east coast of India are located on the Sea of Bengal: Calcutta and Chennai. When it comes to commerce along the eastern coast of India, the ports of Calcutta, Haldia, and Chennai are absolutely necessary.
Natural gas, oil, and a variety of other mineral resources are abundant in the Sea of Bengal. To ensure the extraction of these resources and their safety, India is boosting its presence in the neighbourhood.
2. Energy Security • Natural Gas deposits: The Sea of Bengal is home to many natural gas deposits. In particular, the gas resources found in Myanmar's offshore region in the Bay of Bengal are significant for India's energy security.
• Exploration of Hydrocarbons: India is making efforts to investigate and exploit hydrocarbon resources on the continental shelf. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is actively conducting business in this region.
3. Interests in Geopolitical and Strategic Relationships
• A Counterbalance to China's Presence in the Region: India is attempting to counterbalance China's strategic influence in the region by preserving its interests in the Sea of Bengal through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands: India possesses the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are located in the Sea of Bengal and offer a strategic advantage to the country. The fact that these islands are located so close to the Strait of Malacca gives it the ability to exercise control over the marine trade in the surrounding area.
The Sea of Bengal is also significant for India in terms of combating dangers such as piracy, illegal fishing, and marine smuggling. When it comes to maritime security, the Sea of Bengal is an essential region. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard are strengthening their presence in this sea in order to ensure its safety.
4. India's Strategy In the Indo-Pacific Region
The Indian government's Indo-Pacific policy significantly emphasises the Sea of Bengal. Within the context of the Quad (Quadrant Security Dialogue), India, along with the United States of America, Japan, and Australia, are working towards the goal of establishing an open and free maritime order in the Sea of Bengal.
Although it is not unusual for India to want Turkiye to stop making sales to a region that is so important to it, Turkiye's answer to this matter ought to be evident. Due to the current request position, India will either have to seek cooperation from Turkiye or strain its relations with Turkiye.
