India should not overreact to Bangladesh considering the purchase of JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan, believes Brigadier Arun Sahgal (Retd), calling for a measured response and continued engagement with Dhaka.
“India must take note of this development and follow through later, but not lose sleep over it,” Sahgal said, commenting on reports that Bangladesh is mulling the acquisition of the aircraft.
According to Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the possible deal would support the Bangladesh Air Force’s “ageing fleet and integration of air defence radar systems to enhance air surveillance.”
The JF-17 Thunder is a lightweight, single-engine fighter powered by a Russian-designed RD-93 turbofan. It was jointly developed by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and has undergone several upgrades since entering service with the Pakistan Air Force. Block 2 and Block 3 variants are currently being promoted for export, according to Eurasian Times.
Pakistan’s Dawn reported that Islamabad has in recent months stepped up defence outreach to expand arms exports and monetise its domestic defence industry. Last month, Pakistan concluded a weapons deal with Libya’s Libyan National Army that includes JF-17 jets and training aircraft. Bangladesh is the latest country to engage Pakistan on such purchases.
Sahgal said the development should not provoke India. “We should take it in our stride and post-election in February, we should not only reach out to the (Bangladeshi) government in part, as we always do, but also try to reach the people, the opinion makers, etc.”
While a limited number of fighter jet sales may not in themselves be a concern, Sahgal said the broader relationship warranted attention. “What is not visible is the support system that Bangladesh can subsequently get directly from China and not through Pakistan or through Pakistan, whichever way they want to. But the consent of the Chinese for the sale is there,” he said.
As India-Bangladesh relations face strain, Sahgal said the appropriate approach would be restraint and engagement. India should “lie low, engage at multiple levels and then try and shape the discourse and reach out where they require you more, without being ostentatious and slowly build your relationship,” he said.
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