DHAKA: Bangladesh has indicated that it is open to joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, as Dhaka looks to broaden its strategic partnerships while maintaining a foreign policy centred on national interests. According to the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir said the country maintained a positive outlook towards the possibility of becoming part of an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye. Kobir said any decision regarding participation would be considered in light of Bangladesh’s national interests as well as changing global economic and trade dynamics. He stressed that Dhaka was pursuing a balanced foreign policy under its “Bangladesh First”approach, with national priorities remaining at the heart of its international engagement. He said Bangladesh was also working to strengthen its bilateral relationship with Pakistan through normal diplomatic channels. According to Kobir, the two countries were particularly focusing on expanding trade and improving people-to-people contacts and connectivity. The Bangladeshi adviser’s remarks come amid signs of improving diplomatic engagement between Dhaka and Islamabad. He also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to Riyadh, following an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman was expected to be finalised after the summer. The possibility of Bangladesh joining the defence framework comes shortly after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Makkah on August 7. Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three participating countries is to be treated as an attack against all three. The pact also provides a framework for greater defence cooperation, coordination and collective deterrence among the signatories. The agreement has attracted regional and international attention because of its potential to expand security cooperation among key Muslim-majority countries. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has described the arrangement as technically comparable to NATO’s Article 5 principle of collective defence, while emphasising that the agreement is not aimed at Iran or any other specific country. Ankara has also suggested that the framework could potentially be expanded to include additional regional states. Egypt has previously been mentioned as a possible participant in the broader security arrangement. Pakistan has similarly maintained that the agreement is defensive in character and is not directed against any particular country. Islamabad has also indicated that the framework remains open to states that are willing to support its principles and objectives. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said the agreement does not seek to replace existing bilateral or multilateral defence and security arrangements. Instead, he said, it provides an additional platform for cooperation based on mutual respect, shared interests and peaceful resolution of disputes. Bangladesh’s latest position suggests that Dhaka is carefully assessing emerging regional partnerships while seeking to preserve strategic flexibility. Its potential participation could further broaden the Makkah agreement’s regional significance and strengthen cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and other interested countries. For Bangladesh, however, any decision to join would ultimately depend on how the proposed framework aligns with its national interests, foreign policy priorities and assessment of the evolving regional and global security environment.

  India has stressed that maintaining peace along its disputed border with China is essential for improving relations between the two Asian powers. The statement comes amid reports of renewed encounters between Indian and Chinese troops in a remote part of the Himalayas. India’s latest remarks mark the second time in less than a week that New Delhi has addressed concerns over the border. The two countries have been attempting to rebuild relations after deadly clashes in 2020 severely damaged diplomatic ties. The issue is particularly significant ahead of the BRICS summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from September 12 to 13, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to participate. Speaking at a regular media briefing on Tuesday, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi considers border matters with China extremely serious. He stressed that the situation along the disputed frontier would have a direct impact on the broader relationship between the two countries. Jaiswal said India had consistently communicated to Beijing that the condition of the border was closely connected to the overall state of bilateral relations. His comments came in response to questions about reports of a recent military encounter between troops from both countries. China’s Foreign Ministry and Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the reported developments. According to news , Indian and Chinese military patrols reportedly came into contact in late July near Taksing, a remote village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district. The area lies along the border with Tibet and is located in the eastern Himalayas. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of what it describes as southern Tibet, referring to the region as Zangnan. India strongly rejects Beijing’s claim and maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of Indian territory. The reported encounter allegedly occurred around 2.5 kilometres inside territory controlled by India. Chinese personnel reportedly withdrew from the area initially but returned in early August and set up two tents. However, Indian defence officials have rejected reports suggesting that the developments represent a significant increase in military tensions. The defence spokesperson responsible for Arunachal Pradesh described the reports as unverified and lacking sufficient evidence. A residents’ welfare organisation in the region had earlier raised concerns in a July 26 letter sent to local authorities. The group claimed that Chinese personnel were increasing their presence and moving into strategically important areas near the border. Reuters reviewed the letter. Military patrols from India and China occasionally encounter one another along their disputed 3,488-kilometre frontier. Such confrontations are not unprecedented, although they do not happen regularly. Relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply after a deadly confrontation in the western Himalayas in 2020. Twenty Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops were killed during the clashes, leading both sides to deploy tens of thousands of troops and large quantities of military equipment along the frontier. Tensions gradually began to ease after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in 2024. The two leaders agreed to take steps to end the prolonged military standoff and work toward reducing tensions. Despite those efforts, the latest reports highlight the continuing sensitivity of the border dispute and the importance of maintaining stability as India and China attempt to restore their broader relationship.