Amid escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh, Dhaka is reportedly considering the purchase of Abdali Short Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs), also known as Hatf-2 missiles, from Pakistan. The move is seen as a potential deterrent against India, with Bangladesh seeking to bolster its defense capabilities.
Bangladesh’s Request to Pakistan
According to a report by the defense website Indian Defence Research Wing (Idrw), Bangladesh has approached Pakistan to procure the Abdali SRBMs, which have a range of 400 km. This missile system is expected to serve as a deterrent against a possible Indian attack. The acquisition would enhance Bangladesh’s defense posture in the face of rising tensions with India.
Pakistan’s Likely Response
Pakistan is expected to agree to Bangladesh’s request for Abdali SRBMs. The decision aligns with Pakistan’s broader regional strategy of strengthening its influence in South Asia, especially given the current tensions between Bangladesh and India. Additionally, selling these missiles would not significantly alter the strategic balance in the region, as the Abdali missiles have a short range and are primarily effective against India.
Challenges in Global Arms Control
Despite the potential for approval, Pakistan would need to navigate global arms control regimes, such as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). While neither Bangladesh nor Pakistan is a part of the MTCR, the international community’s concerns about missile proliferation could influence the final decision on the sale.
The Threat to India’s Northeastern States
Experts warn that the acquisition of Abdali SRBMs by Bangladesh could pose a significant threat to India’s northeastern states. Although the missile has a relatively short range, it is capable of reaching major cities in Northeastern India. This could create a major security concern for New Delhi, especially if Bangladesh deploys these missiles near the border.
The Abdali SRBM: A Tactical Weapon
The Abdali SRBM, developed by Pakistan’s Space Research Commission (SUPARCO), is designed for quick reaction battlefield scenarios. It is a tactical weapon, providing the Pakistan Army with a strategic advantage in combat situations. Despite its limited range, the missile system’s ability to provide rapid response in battlefield conditions makes it a valuable asset for Pakistan.
Regional Security Dynamics
The potential acquisition of Abdali SRBMs by Bangladesh could dramatically alter the regional security landscape. Experts believe that the deployment of these missiles could shift the strategic balance in South Asia, with India bearing the brunt of the change. While Pakistan is unlikely to be significantly affected due to the missile’s short range, the move would have a psychological impact on India.
The Psychological Deterrent
Although the Abdali SRBMs have a limited range, their deployment by Bangladesh could serve as a psychological deterrent against India. This could lead to a regional arms race, with India forced to enhance its missile defense systems and deploy additional offensive capabilities in response to Bangladesh’s missile ambitions.
Bangladesh’s Military Response to India
The acquisition of Abdali SRBMs by Bangladesh is seen as a response to India’s growing military presence near the Bangladesh border. India’s expanding military infrastructure, including its ballistic missile defense systems, has raised concerns in Dhaka, prompting the country to consider bolstering its own defense capabilities.
Strained India-Bangladesh Relations
The relationship between India and Bangladesh has reached a low point, exacerbated by political changes in Dhaka. Following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has taken charge. The strained relationship has been further compounded by communal violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. India has criticized the Yunus-led government for failing to address these issues, further souring bilateral ties.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary reason behind Bangladesh’s consideration of acquiring Abdali SRBMs from Pakistan?
- A) To enhance its nuclear capabilities
- B) To act as a deterrent against an Indian attack
- C) To strengthen its naval defense
- D) To improve its relations with Pakistan
- Answer: B) To act as a deterrent against an Indian attack
- What is the range of the Abdali Short Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs)?
- A) 500 km
- B) 400 km
- C) 300 km
- D) 600 km
- Answer: B) 400 km
- Which organization developed the Abdali SRBM?
- A) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- B) Pakistan’s Space Research Commission (SUPARCO)
- C) Bangladesh Defense Research Institute
- D) United Nations Missile Control Agency
- Answer: B) Pakistan’s Space Research Commission (SUPARCO)
- What is the main concern regarding the global arms control regimes in the context of Bangladesh’s potential acquisition of the Abdali SRBMs?
- A) Violation of nuclear non-proliferation treaties
- B) Impact on the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
- C) Impact on international trade agreements
- D) The missile’s potential use against Pakistan
- Answer: B) Impact on the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
- How could the acquisition of Abdali SRBMs by Bangladesh affect India’s security?
- A) It would have no impact on India’s security.
- B) It could pose a significant threat to India’s northeastern states.
- C) It would improve India-Bangladesh relations.
- D) It would encourage India to reduce its military presence near the Bangladesh border.
- Answer: B) It could pose a significant threat to India’s northeastern states.
- What is the likely strategic advantage of deploying the Abdali SRBMs for Bangladesh?
- A) To enhance its naval defense capabilities
- B) To serve as a psychological deterrent against India
- C) To gain nuclear superiority in the region
- D) To expand its influence in South Asia
- Answer: B) To serve as a psychological deterrent against India