China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh's Growing Proximity a Serious Threat to India’s National Security and Stability – Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan

China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh's Growing Proximity a Serious Threat to India’s National Security and Stability – Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan

India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has issued a strong warning, stating that the emerging strategic closeness between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh poses a serious threat to India’s national security and regional stability. He made these remarks at a high-level security conference organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a New Delhi-based think tank.

General Chauhan stated,
“These three countries are now strategically gravitating toward one another. While this proximity may serve their individual interests, it could have deep implications for India's security and regional equilibrium.”
He noted that India has become concerned after Pakistani and Bangladeshi officials jointly participated in a recent meeting organized by China.

He further warned that:
“The economic vulnerabilities of the Indian Ocean region are enabling external powers—especially China—to expand their influence. Through its so-called ‘debt diplomacy,’ China is tightening its grip on small and fragile economies, which threatens India’s strategic interests.”

General Chauhan also addressed Bangladesh’s current political scenario. He suggested that the ousting of Sheikh Hasina from power and her subsequent refuge in India has complicated bilateral relations between the two countries.
In his words,
“The frequent changes in government and ideological shifts in Bangladesh are emerging as a challenge to Indian security.”

China-Pakistan Military Cooperation

General Chauhan highlighted the longstanding military ties between China and Pakistan. Responding to a question, he said that it remains unclear how or to what extent China assisted Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan border skirmishes. However, given that most of Pakistan’s military hardware is sourced from China, it is difficult to rule out Chinese involvement in such conflicts.

India’s Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh, offered a more direct statement.
He said:
“In the recent border conflict, 81% of the weapons used by Pakistan were Chinese-made. China has used this conflict as a testing ground to assess the effectiveness of its weaponry.”