Pakistan sending its top army officials and spies to Bangladesh have put New Delhi on alert. India on Friday said that it is closely monitoring the recent developments and "will take appropriate steps" when it comes to national security.
"We keep an eye on all activities around the country and in the region, as well as all activities affecting national security, and the government will take appropriate steps," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a weekly media briefing.
These remarks come right after a high-profile delegation from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), led by Major General Shahid Amir Afsar, concluded its 3-day visit to Bangladesh on Friday.
The visit follows the recent trip made by top Bangladeshi military officials to Pakistan where they had met with the three service chiefs.
Since the turmoil following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster, Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh has grown comfortably closer to Pakistan, raising a red flag in India.
Bangladesh's decision to grant a visa to any Pakistani citizen without security clearance has raised eyebrows, with experts warning of an increase in ISI and Jamaat activities in India's backyard.
“There have been recent reports of eased travel restrictions for Pakistan ISI and Jamaat elements to Dhaka,” a security analyst had earlier told.
However, India has been ready to put its differences aside and work towards a "democratic, progressive and inclusive" Bangladesh.
"We support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. We want to strengthen our ties so that the people of India and Bangladesh can prosper," Jaiswal further said at the media briefing.
On Bangladesh raising objection to India's border fencing along the border, Jaiswal said that it is aimed at stopping the illegal movement of humans and cattle. He further pointed out that the border fencing is part of India's existing bilateral agreement with Bangladesh.
Source: India Today