Pakistan, Bangladesh reaffirm commitment to peace in Indian Ocean

ISLAMABAD: In the recent round of developments in defense cooperation between the two countries, the naval chiefs of Pakistan and Bangladesh have reaffirmed “joint commitment to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.”

Pakistan’s defense ties with Bangladesh have seen steady progress since the ouster of former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, bringing an end to Indian influence in Dhaka.

Stability in Indian Ocean 

A post on X on Sunday by Pakistan Navy’s Director General Public Relations (DGPR) stated: “Pakistan and Bangladesh Naval Chiefs reaffirm enduring cooperation and joint commitment to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.”

According to a Bangladesh Navy’s post on X, “Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Naval Staff, Pakistan paid homage at Shikha Anirban” – a Dhaka memorial. 

Pakistan Navy ship arrives in Bangladesh 

Pakistan Navy Ship "PNS SAIF" arrived in Bangladesh on a four-day goodwill visit on November 8, according to a Bangladesh Navy's post on X. Pakistan Navy Ship PNS SAIF, commanded by Captain Shujaat Abbas Raja, arrived at Chattogram Port, it said.

Not ‘India’s Ocean’ 

At a conference organized by an Islamabad-based think tank, CISS last year, former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan, General (retired) Zubair Mehmood Hayat, famously, said that as far as Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is concerned, India is the “elephant in the room”, adding that Pakistan has always maintained that this is "Indian Ocean" and not "India’s Ocean".

A report published by Islamabad-based think tank, ISSI, titled "Indian Initiatives for Maritime Dominance: Pakistan's Options and Response", states that "as the growing power of Asia, India is determined to establish itself as a regional hegemonic player. For that, it requires a greater role in the Indian Ocean Region." 

"In this regard, India has not only made investments in key areas across the Indian Ocean, but is also making alliances in the Pacific region."

"In this scenario, Pakistan has to explore new options to maintain its presence in the Indian Ocean. The alliance with Chinese is one such step, but the scope needs to be broadened," the report says.

India-Pakistan conflict 

During the conflict with India in May this year, the Pakistan Navy monitored the movement of INS Vikrant, which had been deployed to a location 400 nautical miles from Karachi.

However, it later retreated closer to Mumbai, according to state-run Radio Pakistan. Pakistan Navy’s Coastal Command units were also deployed to safeguard the creek areas.

Meeting with Bangladesh army chief 

Pakistan’s naval chief also held a meeting with the chief of army staff of Bangladesh on Sunday.

According to a post on social media platform X by Bangladesh Army: “A delegation led by Chief of Naval Staff, Pakistan Navy Admiral Naveed Ashraf paid a courtesy call on with the Chief of Army Staff at the Army Headquarters today.”

“In addition to exchanging mutual greetings, they discussed about strengthening defence cooperation between two countries and enhancing military capabilities of both forces. They also exchanged views on the prospects of expanding military cooperations through bilateral military training, seminars, and visits.”

“Admiral Naveed Ashraf highly praised the professionalism of the Bangladeshi participants in the joint exercise AMAN, held in Karachi and North Arabian Sea in February 2025,” the post stated.

‘Positive trajectory’ 

Pakistan-Bangladesh defense ties are on a “positive trajectory”, especially this year.

Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, called on Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman at Army Headquarters, Dhaka, in October, according to Pakistan military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“During the meeting, both sides appreciated the positive trajectory of expanding defence cooperation between the two countries and agreed to maintain regular exchange visits at various tiers of military leadership,” the ISPR said.

MoUs signed 

Pakistan and Bangladesh have signed a number of MoUs during a recent visit of Pakistan's foreign minister to Dhaka.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in an August 25 post on X, announced at the conclusion of a 36-hour visit to Bangladesh the signing of the following:

“i) Agreement on Visa Abolition for Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders of both countries;

ii) MoU between Foreign Service Academies of the two countries;  

iii) MoU between Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation & Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha;

iv) MoU between Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad & Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies;

v) MoU on Establishment of Joint Working Group on Trade; and

vi) Cultural Exchange Programme (2025–2028).”

AMAN Dialogue 

Earlier, in February this year, the Bangladeshi chief of naval staff visited Pakistan to participate in the AMAN Dialogue.

A DGPR’s post on X on February 7, 2025, stated: “CNS of Bangladesh Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan called on CNS Admiral Naveed Ashraf at NHQ. Visiting dignitary will participate in AMAN Dialogue, being conducted alongside multinational maritime exercise AMAN-25. Visiting CNS was presented guard of honour.”

“Afterwards; matters of mutual interest, regional maritime security environment & prospects for enhanced bilateral naval collaboration were discussed. Avenues of cooperation, training, exchange of visits & bilateral naval exercises were also discussed.”

Moreover, according to a January 19, 2025, post on X by the DGPR, “Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hassan, PSO of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh, visited PN units in Khi.”

“He called on Cdr Pak Fleet R/Adm Abdul Munib, Cdr Coast R/Adm Faisal Amin & MD KS&EW R/Adm Salman Ilyas. Matters of mutual interest & enhanced bilateral naval collab were discussed,” it said.