Balancing the threat: Bangladesh’s pivot to the Sino-Pakistani axis and the crisis of Indian regional security

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ABSTRACT

The collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s regime in Bangladesh and the subsequent collapse of Indo-Bangladeshi relations represents the most significant transformation of the security framework of South Asia since the 1971 division. This paper examines the geopolitical shift of Bangladesh under the interim government of Muhammad Yunus, arguing how the current engagement in a Sino-Pakistani axis is a structural recalibration and not just a temporary fluctuation. In that sense, it will analyse how domestic emancipatory values and historical anti-Indian sentiments have been an incentive for the strategic diversification. Moreover, the paper will detail the different movements that are institutionalising the realignment through defence cooperation and investment in security projects. It was identified that while Dhaka seeks to balance perceived Indian hegemony, it is risking the generation of new and deeper dependencies under Chinese influence. Furthermore, there is an evaluation of broader regional implications and the scenario for multilateral frameworks.