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News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
Yunus, Army, Pakistan, And China: A New Axis Threatens India's Security
Last Updated: China's role as the linchpin of this emerging axis cannot be overstated, as it leverages its economic and military influence to counter India's rise India faces an emerging geopolitical storm as Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, aligns with Pakistan and China, forming a troubling axis that threatens New Delhi's regional dominance. The convergence of Yunus's administration, Bangladesh's military, Pakistan's strategic provocations, and China's growing influence in South Asia presents a multifaceted challenge that India cannot afford to underestimate. Tensions escalated following provocative remarks by a retired Bangladesh army officer, closely tied to Yunus's government, advocating for a joint military arrangement with China to seize India's northeastern states in the event of an India-Pakistan conflict. This inflammatory rhetoric, coupled with Bangladesh's warming ties with Pakistan and China, signals a deliberate shift in Dhaka's foreign policy under Yunus, moving away from the India-friendly stance of the ousted Sheikh Hasina regime. Since August 2024, when Hasina's government fell, attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, have surged in Bangladesh, straining bilateral relations. India's revocation of transshipment facilities for Bangladeshi exports in April 2025 further highlighted this rift. Meanwhile, Pakistan's military, emboldened by Chinese weaponry like the J-10C jets and PL-15 missiles, has intensified its aggression, as seen in the May 2025 India-Pakistan clashes. China, leveraging its economic and military largesse, is deepening its footprint in both nations, positioning itself as a counterweight to India. This alignment, fueled by Yunus's outreach to Beijing and Pakistan's reliance on Chinese arms, creates a volatile dynamic that could destabilise South Asia. The combination of Yunus's interim regime, Bangladesh's military ambitions, Pakistan's hostility, and China's strategic manoeuvring forms a potent threat that demands India's urgent attention as it navigates this complex regional chessboard. Muhammad Yunus, as Bangladesh's interim leader since August 2024, has steered Dhaka towards a confrontational stance against India, undermining decades of cooperative ties fostered under Sheikh Hasina. His administration's failure to curb rising attacks on Hindus—over 1,000 incidents reported since August—has inflamed tensions, with India viewing these as a deliberate signal of hostility. Yunus's visit to China in early 2025, where he positioned Bangladesh as a gateway for Chinese economic expansion, particularly highlighting the landlocked nature of India's northeastern states, raised alarm in New Delhi. By pitching Bangladesh as the 'only guardian of the ocean" for the region, Yunus invited Beijing to deepen its strategic presence, potentially encircling India's vulnerable northeast. His government's appointment of Major General (Retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman, who called for occupying India's seven northeastern states in coordination with China if India attacks Pakistan, as chairman of the National Independent Commission, underscores this shift. Though Dhaka distanced itself from Rahman's remarks, the lack of disciplinary action suggests tacit approval. This rhetoric aligns with Yunus's broader strategy to balance against India by leveraging China's economic and military support, including agreements signed during his China visit to enhance infrastructure and trade. The revocation of India's transshipment facility, which crippled Bangladesh's export routes, was a direct response to this pivot. Yunus's alignment with anti-India forces, particularly in the context of rising communal violence, risks alienating India's goodwill and strengthening a Bangladesh-China axis that could destabilise the region. As India prepares for potential escalations, Yunus's provocative leadership signals a new front in India's security challenges, especially given Bangladesh's proximity and historical ties with Pakistan. Bangladesh's Military Ambitions and Regional Instability Bangladesh's military, under Yunus's interim government, is emerging as a destabilising force, emboldened by its growing alignment with China and Pakistan. The provocative statement by Major General (Retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman, a key figure appointed by Yunus to investigate the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles mutiny, reflects a broader militaristic undercurrent. Rahman's call for a 'joint military arrangement" with China to target India's northeast, though officially disavowed, highlights a dangerous mindset within Bangladesh's military circles. The Bangladesh army's top general, Qamarul Hasan, visited Pakistan in early 2025, meeting with army chief Asim Munir to discuss enhanced military cooperation. This visit, coupled with Yunus's outreach to China, suggests a coordinated effort to challenge India's regional influence. Bangladesh's military modernisation, supported by Chinese arms, including Type 59 tanks and anti-ship missiles, is modest but strategically significant given its proximity to India's sensitive northeastern border. The region's landlocked geography makes it vulnerable to disruptions, and Bangladesh's control over key maritime routes amplifies this threat. Reports indicate China is funding port upgrades in Chittagong, potentially for dual-use military purposes, which could facilitate Chinese naval presence in the Bay of Bengal. The interim government's failure to address minority violence, coupled with its military's flirtation with anti-India rhetoric, risks escalating tensions into a broader conflict. India's military, already stretched by border disputes with China and Pakistan, must now contend with a potentially hostile Bangladesh, complicating its strategic calculus. This military posturing, backed by Chinese support, positions Bangladesh as a wildcard in South Asia's security landscape, directly threatening India's northeastern stability. Pakistan's Aggression and Chinese Military Backing Pakistan's military escalation against India, particularly evident in the May 2025 clashes, is deeply intertwined with its reliance on Chinese weaponry, amplifying the threat to New Delhi. Following a terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, India launched missile strikes on alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated with Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets and PL-15 missiles, claiming to have downed Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafales. The conflict, which saw drones and missiles targeting airbases, highlighted Pakistan's dependence on Chinese arms, with 63% of China's arms exports from 2020-2024 going to Pakistan. The J-10C's reported success against Western technology has boosted China's defence industry, with stocks of AVIC Chengdu Aircraft rising 40% during the conflict. Pakistan's military, led by General Asim Munir, views India as an existential threat, a stance reinforced by its nuclear modernisation and battlefield nuclear weapons development, as noted in a 2025 US Defense Intelligence Agency report. China's support, including the HQ-9 air defence system and joint military exercises, strengthens Pakistan's confidence in confronting India. This dynamic not only escalates the India-Pakistan rivalry but also serves China's interest in keeping India preoccupied with regional conflicts, draining its resources. The Pakistani military's ideological commitment to Kashmir, coupled with Chinese backing, ensures that tensions will persist, with the potential for rapid escalation given both nations' nuclear capabilities. India's successful strikes on Pakistani airbases, despite losses, demonstrate its resolve, but the China-Pakistan nexus complicates its strategic response, making this a critical threat for 2026 and beyond. China's Strategic Manoeuvring: Exploiting Regional Tensions China's role as the linchpin of this emerging axis cannot be overstated, as it leverages its economic and military influence to counter India's rise. Beijing's deepening ties with Bangladesh and Pakistan create a pincer effect, encircling India from the east and west. In Bangladesh, China is investing heavily in infrastructure, including the Chittagong port, which could serve as a strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean. Yunus's invitation for Chinese expansion, emphasising Bangladesh's maritime dominance, aligns with Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to secure access to Nepal and Bhutan's markets while pressuring India's northeast. In Pakistan, China's military support, including advanced J-10C jets and PL-15 missiles, has transformed the India-Pakistan conflict into a proxy battleground for Chinese and Western technologies. The May 2025 clashes provided China with a real-time intelligence harvest, allowing it to assess Indian military capabilities through Pakistan's use of its weapons. China's fishing fleets, doubling as intelligence-gathering units, have been spotted near Indian naval drills, further enhancing Beijing's surveillance capabilities. top videos View all Despite strained China-Pakistan ties due to attacks on Chinese workers in 2024, Beijing continues to back Pakistan to keep India engaged in regional conflicts, diverting its focus from the Sino-Indian border dispute. China's neutral public stance during the India-Pakistan conflict, with its foreign ministry claiming ignorance of J-10C involvement, masks its strategic interest in prolonging tensions. By fostering instability through Bangladesh and Pakistan, China undermines India's global aspirations, positioning itself as the dominant regional power. This calculated manoeuvring, exploiting Yunus's ambitions and Pakistan's hostility, creates a formidable challenge for India's security and diplomatic strategy. The author teaches journalism at St Xavier's College (autonomous), Kolkata. His handle on X is @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : bangladesh China Muhammad Yunus Operation Sindoor pakistan Location : Kolkata, India, India First Published: June 05, 2025, 03:17 IST News opinion Opinion | Yunus, Army, Pakistan, And China: A New Axis Threatens India's Security
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
India-Pakistan tension: Chandigarh University terminates academic collaboration with 23 Turkish, Azerbaijani universities
The Punjab-based Chandigarh University has ended academic collaborations with 23 Turkish and Azerbaijani Universities. Announcing the decision on Saturday, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor of the private university, said, 'The vision of Chandigarh University has always remained aligned to the spirit of Nation First, and in line with that vision, we have decided to terminate all our educational ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Nothing is more important to us when it comes to national security, and we won't compromise on anything when it comes to the integrity and sovereignty of India.' Sandhu added, 'As has been clearly stated by our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, that the perpetrators of terrorism and those helping them won't be spared at any cost, Chandigarh University stands united with the entire nation in the fight against terrorism and those sponsoring it. We cannot continue ties with nations that are responsible for taking the lives of our innocent civilians and soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces. I urge Indian students not to pursue their higher education at Turkish and Azerbaijani universities. Instead, prefer taking admission in India-friendly nations. We, as responsible citizens of the nation, must stand united and cut all kinds of ties or support to these nations that have acted directly or indirectly against our national interests.' Sandhu said Chandigarh University had collaborations with higher education institutions in Turkey and Azerbaijan for the exchange of students, and also for the exchange of faculty and staff. 'But it is really unfortunate that Turkey and Azerbaijan, despite having received India's goodwill, assistance, and strategic support during difficult times, have now aligned themselves with Pakistan, which is known all over the world for its ties to terrorism. This stance not only undermines India's sovereignty and national interests but also deeply offends the sentiments of 140 crore Indians. So, we (Chandigarh University) have decided to end our academic collaborations with the universities in Turkey and Azerbaijan, as the nation comes first,' he added. Sandhu, who is a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, said, 'At a time when our Armed forces are putting their lives on the line to protect the nation, we as an educational institution cannot stay silent. Chandigarh University has decided to terminate all agreements with countries that support Pakistan, a known sponsor of terrorism. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm stance against terrorism, every institution must stand with the nation. We will never associate with any entity that undermines India's sovereignty and unity.'
The Wire
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
India's No 1 Private University, Chandigarh University Cuts Ties with 23 Turkish, Azerbaijani Universities Over Support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor
'Nation Comes First, India's Sovereignty Is Non-Negotiable' says Rajya Sabha MP & CU Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu CHANDIGARH, India, May 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Taking strong stand against Turkey and Azerbaijan over support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and and the subsequent escalation of conflict with India, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu on Saturday said putting Nation first, Chandigarh University (CU) — India's number 1 private university – has severed its academic collaborations with 23 Turkish and Azerbaijani Universities. Announcing this decision, Sandhu, said, 'The vision of Chandigarh University has always remained aligned to the spirit of Nation First and in line with that vision, we have decided to terminate all our educational ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Nothing is more important to us when it comes to national security, and we won't compromise on anything when it comes to the integrity and sovereignty of India.' Sandhu added, 'As has been clearly stated by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the perpetrators of terrorism and those helping them won't be spared at any cost, Chandigarh University stands united with the entire nation in the fight against terrorism and those sponsoring it. We cannot continue ties with nations which are responsible for taking lives of our innocent civilians and soldiers of Indian Armed Forces. I urge Indian students to not pursue their higher education at Turkish and Azerbaijani Universities. Instead prefer taking admission in India-friendly nations. We, as responsible citizens of the nation, must stand united and cut all kinds of ties or support to these nations who have acted directly or indirectly against our national interests,' he said. Sandhu said under these 23 MoUs, Chandigarh University was having collaboration with the higher education institutions in Turkiye and Azerbaijan for exchange of students for regular courses, research, exchange of faculty and staff. 'But it is really unfortunate that Turkey and Azerbaijan, despite having received India's goodwill, assistance, and strategic support during difficult times, have now aligned themselves with Pakistan which is known all over the world for its ties to terrorism. This stance not only undermines India's sovereignty and national interests but also deeply offends the sentiments of 140 Crore Indians. So we (Chandigarh University) has decided to end our academic collaborations with the universities in Turkiye and Azerbaijan as nation comes first. We will not have alliance with those who support sponsor of terrorism from Pakistan,' he added. The Rajya Sabha MP Sandhu further said 'At a time when our Armed forces are putting their lives on the line to protect the nation, we as an educational institution cannot stay silent. Chandigarh University has decided to terminate all agreements with countries that support Pakistan, a known sponsor of terrorism. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm stance against terrorism, every institution must stand with the nation. We will never associate with any entity that undermines India's sovereignty and unity.,'. This Chandigarh University move comes after both Turkey and Azerbaijan openly showed support for Pakistan despite its support for cross-border terrorism against India and its aggression after the Indian Armed Forces struck nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. While Azerbaijan, in its statement on India-Pakistan tensions, has echoed the Pakistani line. Turkey expressed its solidarity with Pakistan and supported Islamabad's proposal for an international investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack. Turkey has also supplied military weapons to Pakistan. About Chandigarh University Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC. Website address: Photo – (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
India.com
04-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
If there is a war between India and Pakistan, Bangladesh and China will support…, Sri Lanka and Maldives will only…, India's support will come from…
India-Pakistan war- Representative AI image India-Pakistan war: There has been a massive rise in the tensions between India and Pakistan after twenty-six people were killed in a barbaric terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam on the 22nd of April, 2025, reportedly linked to Pakistan. As a result of the terrorist attack, the Republic of India has taken has taken several steps against Pakistan including banning Pakistani ships at Indian ports, suspending the Indus Water treaty and banning all imports from Pakistan into India. However, media reports also say that a small scale conflict may be possible between the two countries. In the case of a conflict, it will be interesting to see how the neigbouring countries of India like China, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan will react and choose sides. Here are all the details on what the possible scenario could look like if there is any conflict between India and Pakistan. 1. People's Republic of China The People's Republic of China has been one of the biggest supporters of Pakistan and it may support Pakistan in case of a conflict with India. However, due to India's global dominance and its trade relations with China, China may not show direct support to Pakistan. 2. Bangladesh The earlier government of Bangladesh led by Sheikh Hasina was somewhat seen as pro-India. However, with the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus in power, the Bangladesh government is not likely to help India in case of the conflict. Rather, it may support Pakistan in a direct or indirect manner. The possible stand of Bangladesh can also be seen from the statement of a former Bangladesh major general who said that Bangladesh should acquire India's northeast states in case the military of Pakistan attacks India. 3. Maldives The current government of Maldives led by Mohamed Muizzu had recently shown an anti-India stance and it is expected not to support India in case of a conflict with Pakistan. 4. Sri Lanka The country of Sri Lanka has been struggling with financial woes in the recent decades and both India and China have somewhat tried to help the country. However, readers must note that as per media reports, China has been one of the biggest reasons behind Sri Lanka rising debt and economies woes. Therefore, the country is expected to remain neutral. 5. Bhutan Bhutan has always been an India-friendly country and in case of a possible conflict between India and Pakistan, it may remain neutral or support India.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion - Vance's visit to India shows Trump is rebuilding ties
President Trump's return to the White House is reshaping America's foreign policy with a nationalist, protectionist edge. Although this shift has frayed relationships with some traditional allies — especially in Europe, whose importance for U.S. policy appears to be eroding — the dynamics in Asia tell a different story. American ties with key Asian partners such as Japan and South Korea remain steady. And Washington is rebuilding a once-strained relationship with India, the world's largest democracy and an increasingly pivotal power in the Indo-Pacific. President Joe Biden failed to grasp the long-term strategic significance of the U.S.-India partnership. His administration prioritized outreach to China, resumed indulgence of Pakistan, welcomed the overthrow of an India-friendly government in Bangladesh and stayed largely silent on Chinese encroachments on Indian borderlands, which triggered a tense Sino-Indian military standoff that has still not been fully resolved. These moves, coupled with ideological posturing, brought bilateral ties to a low point. The change in administration, however, has opened the door for a course correction. Both nations are now working to reestablish mutual respect and trust. Vice President JD Vance's visit to India this week — accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, their children and senior administration officials — signals a new chapter in the relationship. In a sign of renewed counterterrorism cooperation, the FBI last week arrested a Sikh militant accused of involvement in multiple terrorist attacks in India. Meanwhile, India, one of the world's fastest-growing economies, has committed to liberalizing trade with the U.S., following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's White House visit in February. Modi, notably, was among the first world leaders to meet Trump after his return to office. India's appeal to American businesses is rising, especially as China's economy falters and its demographic decline deepens. Long before the U.S. rekindled its trade war with Beijing, India's massive consumer market was emerging as a vital alternative. During Modi's visit, he and Trump set an ambitious goal: more than doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion. The first phase of a U.S.-India trade agreement, expected to be finalized before Trump's visit to India in the fall for the Quad grouping summit, is likely to see India slash tariffs on a wide range of American imports. The Biden-era drift is clearly being reversed. Washington has cast Vance's India trip as a key diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening strategic and economic ties with a nation that, like the U.S., views China as its principal adversary. A robust India is key to maintaining a stable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, where China seeks regional hegemony. The first Trump administration recognized India's central role by giving the country pride of place in its 'free and open Indo-Pacific' strategy. Indeed, U.S.-India relations flourished in Trump's first term. In 2019, Trump joined Modi at a massive rally in Houston attended by 50,000 Indian Americans and numerous U.S. lawmakers. The following year, Trump addressed more than 100,000 people at a rally in Ahmedabad, India — still the largest audience for any American president, at home or abroad. 'America loves India, America respects India and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people,' Trump declared. The personal rapport between Trump and Modi — both unapologetic nationalists — has proven durable. That relationship is now instrumental not only in restoring bilateral ties but also in nudging India to reduce its relatively high tariffs. Although India cut some tariffs ahead of Modi's February visit, Trump responded with a 27 percent tariff hike on Indian goods earlier this month as part of his global tariff campaign, before announcing a 90-day pause on all 'reciprocal tariffs' to allow negotiations to proceed. Trade remains a flashpoint. Trump's 'America First' agenda often collides with Modi's 'Make in India' initiative. At their joint White House news conference, Modi even borrowed from Trump's own slogan, vowing to 'Make India Great Again.' Still, tensions that flared under Biden are beginning to ease. The arrest of the Sikh militant followed a Trump-Modi joint statement pledging 'decisive action' against elements that 'threaten public and diplomatic safety and security, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations.' For the U.S. and India to coordinate effectively to keep the Indo-Pacific 'free and open,' they must reconcile their policies toward India's neighborhood. The divergence was stark under Biden, whose administration aided military-backed regimes in Pakistan and Bangladesh while trying to oust Myanmar's junta — moves that undercut regional stability. The Trump administration is now reviewing these policies with an eye toward coherence and consistency. Vance's visit, following a similar trip by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, underscores that the U.S.-India relationship is already bouncing back. Vance's discussions with Modi are expected to deepen cooperation in areas ranging from strategic technology to defense interoperability, with both sides welcoming the 'significant progress' toward a trade deal. There is also a personal dimension to Vance's diplomacy. His wife, the first Hindu second lady in American history, is the daughter of Indian immigrants. The Indian American community — one of the fastest-growing and most prosperous immigrant groups in the U.S. — commands outsized influence, boasting the highest median household income among all ethnic groups. Looking ahead, a potential Trump-brokered end to the Ukraine war would allow the U.S. to shift focus toward the Indo-Pacific, further energizing its partnership with India. This pivot would accelerate U.S.-India collaboration on critical and emerging technologies and enhance interoperability between the two countries' armed forces, especially in naval and air operations. Trump's return to power is not merely restoring the U.S.-India relationship — it is revitalizing it with fresh urgency, grounded in mutual interests and shared concerns. As the Indo-Pacific becomes the epicenter of global power competition, the world's oldest and largest democracies are once again aligning their strategies and rediscovering their common cause. Brahma Chellaney is a geostrategist and the author of nine books, including the award-winning 'Water: Asia's New Battleground.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
