Actions by Bangladeshi forces not directed against India: Army chief Dwivedi

Gen Upendra Dwivedi

• India keeps military channels open with Bangladesh to avoid miscommunication
• Army sent delegation to assess attacks on minorities in Bangladesh
• Actions by Bangladeshi forces are not directed against India

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Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said New Delhi is closely watching developments in Bangladesh and is keeping military-to-military communication channels open to avoid any “miscommunication or misunderstanding”.

Speaking on the tense situation across the border, Gen Dwivedi said that India’s immediate response would depend on the nature and horizon of the government in Dhaka.

“First of all, it is important for us to understand what kind of government is in place in Bangladesh. If it is an interim government, we need to see whether the actions it is taking are meant for the next 4-5 years, or only for the next 4-5 months. We have to judge whether there is any need for us to react immediately or not...” he said.

He said all three Services are maintaining active contact with their counterparts.

“Secondly, as of today, all three Services have kept their communication channels fully open. The Indian Army has multiple channels of communication open, and I remain in regular touch with their Chief there. In the same way, we are also in contact through our other channels as well,” Gen Dwivedi said.

The Army Chief added that India had already sent a team to assess the situation amid rising incidents of attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in the country.

“We had sent a delegation there, which met everyone on the ground. Similarly, the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Chief of the Air Staff have also spoken,” he said, stressing that the outreach was aimed at ensuring clarity between the forces. “The intention is to ensure that there is no miscommunication or misunderstanding.”

Gen Dwivedi added that actions by Bangladeshi forces were not targeted at India. “I want to assure you that, as of today, whatever actions are being taken ... are not directed against India in any way,” he said.

On military modernisation, he described capability development as routine for all countries and said India would remain vigilant. “As far as capability development is concerned, it is something that is an ongoing process. India is also doing it, and other countries are also doing it. As far as our preparation is concerned, we are closely monitoring the situation there...” he added.