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Bangladesh has reportedly approached Pakistan to acquire Short Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs), specifically the Hatf-II/Abdali, according to an Indian intelligence report.
This potential arms deal has raised concerns in India, as the acquisition of these missiles by Bangladesh could have implications for regional security, particularly in India's northeastern states.
The Abdali SRBM, known as Hatf-II within Pakistan, is a tactical ballistic missile designed for battlefield use with a range of up to 200 kilometers. While this range is limited, it is sufficient to reach several key cities in India's northeast, making it a potential concern for India.
The Abdali, developed by Pakistan's Space Research Commission (SUPARCO), has been in service with the Pakistan Army, providing a quick reaction capability in tactical scenarios.
Bangladesh's pursuit of these missiles could significantly alter the strategic balance in South Asia. While the Abdali's range is modest, its deployment by Bangladesh could serve as a psychological deterrent, signalling its intent to strengthen its defence posture.
This move might be seen as a response to India's ongoing military modernization, including its ballistic missile defence systems and the expansion of its military infrastructure near the Bangladesh border.
The intelligence report suggests that Pakistan might be inclined to agree to Bangladesh's request. This could be motivated by a desire to expand its influence in the region by supporting a neighbour against a mutual rival.
Additionally, selling these SRBMs might not be perceived as significantly altering the strategic balance against Pakistan itself, given the missile's limited range. However, such a deal would require navigating the complex web of international arms control regimes, including the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), which, while neither Pakistan nor Bangladesh are members, can still influence arms transfers.
The introduction of ballistic missiles into Bangladesh's arsenal could potentially trigger an arms race in the region, with India possibly responding by further enhancing its missile defence capabilities or deploying additional offensive systems. The international community, particularly countries concerned about missile proliferation, might react with sanctions or diplomatic pressure, impacting both Bangladesh and Pakistan's international standing.
