Naval cooperation between the two countries has traditionally been strong, encompassing a wide array of activities
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy, has commenced a four-day official visit to Bangladesh from July 1 to July 4, 2024 aimed at consolidating bilateral defence relations and exploring new avenues for naval cooperation.
 
The visit, which comes shortly after the state visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India on June 21-22, 2024, holds particular significance against the backdrop of growing regional geopolitical dynamics. It underscores India’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening its longstanding defence partnership with Bangladesh.
 
On reaching Dhaka, Admiral Tripathi met his Bangladeshi counterpart Admiral M Nazmul Hassan at the Naval Headquarters where he was accorded a warm reception. He also paid tribute to the bravehearts of the Bangladesh Armed Forces who made the supreme sacrifice during the Liberation War at the Shikha Anirban (eternal flame).
 
Comprehensive bilateral discussions between the naval chiefs of India and Bangladesh are expected to explore new opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the areas of maritime security, counter-piracy operations, and disaster response. These efforts align with the broader strategic objectives of both nations to enhance regional stability and security.
 
In addition to his engagements with the Bangladesh Navy top brass, Admiral Tripathi will also meet with senior leadership across Bangladesh's defence and government sectors. This includes bilateral discussions with General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of the Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army, Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of the Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, and Lt Gen Mizanur Rahman Shameem, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division. 
 
The CNS is also set to address participants at the National Defence College in Dhaka and visit several key defence facilities.
 
Naval cooperation between the two countries has traditionally been strong, encompassing a wide array of activities such as operational interactions through port calls, bilateral naval exercises, and initiatives focused on capacity building, capability enhancement, and training. “The visit of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy will further strengthen the strong bonds of friendship between the navies of both countries,” India’s Ministry of Defence said on Sunday (June 30, 2024)
 
A Symbol of Friendship: INS Ranvir at Chattogram
 
Ahead of Admiral Tripathi’s visit, the Indian Naval Ship INS Ranvir, of the Eastern Fleet under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, arrived at Chattogram, Bangladesh, on June 29, 2024, as part of an Operational Deployment. The ship was accorded a warm welcome by the Bangladesh Navy, symbolizing the deep-rooted and resilient friendship between the two nations. 
 
During the harbour phase of INS Ranvir’s deployment, personnel from both navies will engage in a series of professional interactions. These include Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) programs, cross-deck visits, community outreach initiatives, and friendly sports fixtures. These activities are designed to foster mutual understanding, enhance operational capabilities, and further strengthen maritime linkages between the two nations.
 
Following the completion of the harbour phase, INS Ranvir will participate in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX)/PASSEX with ships of the Bangladesh Navy. This exercise will serve as a practical demonstration of the strong operational cooperation between the two navies and their shared commitment to ensuring maritime security in the region.
 
"The visit will further strengthen the longstanding friendship, cooperation as also the robust interoperability between both nations through a series of engagements and activities aligned with the Government of India’s focus on Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)," India's Ministry of Defence said. 
INS Ranvir, a Rajput Class Guided Missile Destroyer, has undergone upgrades with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, the majority of which are indigenous, reiterating the Indian Navy's steadfast focus on Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance).