Trade and maritime ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh have been strengthening recently, raising concerns for India. A second cargo vessel, 'MV Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan,' from Karachi arrived at Chittagong port carrying essential industrial materials and consumer goods. This is part of a broader trend of increased trade between the two countries, which has coincided with a diplomatic push by Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus to improve relations with Pakistan.

This shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy is seen as a departure from the traditionally pro-India stance under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Yunus, who took office in August, has made efforts to establish direct maritime routes with Pakistan, a historic first since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. The arrival of a Chinese cargo ship from Karachi to Chittagong in November marked the beginning of this new maritime connectivity. Both Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met in Cairo, agreeing to strengthen ties through trade, culture, and sports exchanges.

India has raised concerns, especially regarding the strategic Chittagong port. The port holds geopolitical significance due to its location in the Bay of Bengal, and India has historically monitored activities there. In the past, the port was linked to the confiscation of Chinese ammunition bound for insurgent groups in India. Recent changes in Bangladesh’s shipping policy have made it easier for Pakistani vessels to enter without physical cargo inspections, prompting fears about security risks. India has expressed concerns about a possible resurgence of Islamist extremism, which could threaten regional stability.