The arrival of three Russian warships—Rezkiy, Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov, and Pechenga—at Chittagong Port marks a significant development in Bangladesh’s foreign and military policy.
This visit comes shortly after Bangladesh Army Chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman’s four-day trip to Moscow, during which he engaged with Russian civilian and military leadership and visited arms manufacturing facilities. The docking of the Russian Pacific Fleet Squadron is the first such visit in 50 years, signalling an effort by Bangladesh to diversify its military partnerships and reduce reliance on Chinese defence equipment.
The visit is part of a broader strategy by Bangladesh to strengthen ties with Russia amidst increasing geopolitical prehighlighted by Russian officials during the visit, emphasizing the friendly nature of current relations. The warships were received by the Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Khalid Bin Walid, underscoring the cordiality of the exchange.
According to experts, this action is an effort by Russia to increase its influence in the region, especially in South Asia. One area of difficulty for China has been the substantial presence of Russia in Myanmar. Russia seems to be aiming for deeper bilateral relations and a presence in key maritime areas by expanding its influence to Bangladesh. This visit’s timing also aligns with increased US pressure on Bangladesh over democratic norms in the run-up to elections, indicating that Dhaka is using its ties to Moscow as a check on Western influence.
This development reflects Bangladesh’s evolving foreign policy, which aims to balance relations with major powers like China, Russia, and the United States while navigating complex regional dynamics. The docking of Russian ships not only showcases high-level bilateral relations but also highlights Bangladesh’s strategic intent in diversifying its defense partnerships amidst geopolitical shifts.
ET News
