Bangladesh Signals Strategic Possibility of Joining Regional Bloc with Pakistan Excluding India

Bangladesh could potentially join a regional bloc with Pakistan that excludes India, a senior Bangladeshi official indicated on Wednesday, signaling a possible realignment in South Asian geopolitics.

Md Touhid Hossain, Foreign Adviser to the Bangladeshi government, told the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha news agency that while Bangladesh could strategically participate in such a grouping, other regional countries like Nepal or Bhutan would not be able to form a bloc with Pakistan that excludes India. Hossain’s comments are seen as a direct response to recent remarks by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Islamabad Conclave, where he mentioned a trilateral initiative involving Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan. Dar had suggested that the initiative could potentially expand to include other countries within and beyond the region.

The statement reflects Dhaka’s cautious but pragmatic approach to regional alliances, balancing strategic interests with existing diplomatic relationships. Analysts suggest that such cooperation could provide Bangladesh with economic and security benefits, particularly in trade, infrastructure, and regional connectivity projects, while avoiding direct confrontation with India.

This development indicates evolving regional dynamics in South Asia, with Pakistan seeking to diversify partnerships and Bangladesh exploring new avenues for strategic collaboration outside India’s influence.