Islamabad: Pakistan has firmly rejected India’s remarks on emerging defence cooperation between Islamabad and Dhaka, stating that New Delhi has no right to comment on bilateral relations between two sovereign nations. The response comes amid reports of possible talks between Pakistan and Bangladesh over the sale of JF‑17 Thunder fighter jets.
According to The News, Pakistan’s Foreign Office dismissed Indian concerns as “baseless and unwarranted,” particularly regarding the potential acquisition of JF‑17 fighter aircraft by the Bangladesh Air Force. Officials said such statements reflect “unnecessary interference in bilateral affairs.”
A senior Pakistani Foreign Office source stated, “India has no authority to comment on the nature or scope of relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Bilateral cooperation between Islamabad and Dhaka is a sovereign matter and does not require validation or approval from any third country.”
India Monitoring JF‑17 Talks
Pakistan’s response followed comments by Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who said New Delhi was closely monitoring discussions between Pakistan and Bangladesh related to the possible purchase of JF‑17 Thunder fighter jets.
Jaiswal also addressed questions about the resumption of direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi from 29 January and whether India’s permission would be required for the use of Indian airspace. He said such issues would be handled under existing arrangements.
High‑Level Air Force Talks
The defence discussions gained attention after a recent meeting between Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan. Pakistani media reported that the talks included the potential sale of JF‑17 fighter jets to Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter‑Services Public Relations (ISPR), said Air Chief Marshal Sidhu briefed his Bangladeshi counterpart on recent advancements in the PAF. He also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Bangladesh Air Force through comprehensive training programs, ranging from basic to advanced flying and specialized courses at PAF institutions.
Bangladesh Modernisation Plans
Bangladesh currently lacks modern multirole fighter aircraft and is seeking to upgrade its air combat capabilities. Alongside the JF‑17, Dhaka is also reportedly considering European options, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, as part of its long‑term air force modernisation plans.
The developments signal a potential shift in regional defence dynamics, even as Pakistan insists that its growing cooperation with Bangladesh remains strictly bilateral and outside the purview of external scrutiny.
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