A parliamentary committee has raised concerns over China’s growing military and economic presence in Bangladesh, warning that China-backed projects linked to an Airbase in the north and a submarine facility near the coast could affect India’s national security due to their proximity to Indian borders.
China-linked Airbase development near the Indian border
The report flags the construction linked to the Bangladesh Air Force’s Lalmonirhat Airbase as one of the most sensitive issues. The parliamentary committee stated that China is building the runway at this Airbase, which sits just about 15 kilometers from India’s northern border and holds clear strategic importance.
The report noted that the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken’s Neck, lies within the operational range of the Lalmonirhat Airbase. This narrow stretch of land connects India’s northeastern states to the rest of the country and remains highly vulnerable from a security perspective. At a distance of around 70 kilometers, activities at the Airbase could directly affect movement and security in the region.
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When India sought clarification, Bangladesh’s military leadership stated that it would not use the airstrip at the Lalmonirhat Airbase for military purposes. However, the committee recorded that experts remain concerned due to the extent of Chinese involvement.
Non-governmental experts told the panel that the Airbase construction, combined with China’s wider regional presence and its geographic position near Bhutan, poses the most serious strategic challenge India has faced in Bangladesh since 1971.
Submarine base construction and Airbase-linked strategic concerns
Beyond the Airbase, the parliamentary committee highlighted China’s involvement in building a submarine-related facility in Pekua, Bangladesh. The base is reportedly designed to support up to eight submarines, even though the Bangladesh Navy currently operates only two. This has drawn attention to the scale of the project and its strategic implications.
The report noted that while the submarine base and the Airbase are separate facilities, together they reflect a broader pattern of strategic cooperation between China and Bangladesh. Such cooperation, the committee said, could influence both naval and air activities in the region.
China has long been a key supplier of submarines to Bangladesh. The construction of a large submarine support facility suggests an expansion of maritime capabilities beyond present needs. When viewed alongside the development of an Airbase near India’s border, these projects gain added strategic importance.
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The committee also referred to a memorandum of understanding signed in March under which China will invest about 370 million dollars to expand Mongla Port. Like an Airbase, ports serve both civilian and strategic purposes. Expanded port facilities can handle larger vessels and increased traffic.
The report stressed that ports, submarine bases, and an Airbase, even if described as non-military, can support strategic operations. Taken together, these developments were described as interconnected and deserving of close and continuous monitoring.
Parliamentary committee flags security and economic risks
The Standing Committee clearly stated that the strengthening foothold of certain countries in Bangladesh poses a serious threat to India’s security. This concern becomes sharper when developments involve sensitive infrastructure like an Airbase located close to Indian territory.
The Ministry of External Affairs assured the committee that it is keeping a close watch on every situation related to Bangladesh, including developments around the Airbase and other China-backed projects. The ministry acknowledged the sensitivity of the matter and the need for constant vigilance.
At the political level, the committee observed that China has stepped up its engagement with various political groups in Bangladesh. This outreach is seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties with Bangladesh’s political leadership. The report suggests that political influence, combined with projects like an Airbase, can shape long-term strategic realities.
The committee also raised economic concerns linked to China’s activities in Bangladesh. It reported that Chinese goods are allegedly entering the Indian market through Bangladesh, affecting India’s commercial interests. This economic angle adds another layer to the security debate.
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The report states that combining economic pressure with strategic infrastructure such as ports, submarine bases, and an Airbase significantly increases the overall impact. The committee stressed that these factors together influence national security calculations.
Throughout the report, the focus remains on factual developments presented before Parliament. By documenting the construction of an Airbase, a submarine facility, and major port expansion, the committee has outlined why it views China’s growing influence in Bangladesh as a serious matter requiring close attention.