India has ramped up surveillance along its border with Bangladesh following reports that Turkish-made drones have been deployed near West Bengal.
This comes as intelligence inputs suggest a rise in terrorist activities along the border after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government.
As per sources, the Army is currently verifying reports regarding the deployment of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near the Indian border.
Operated by Bangladesh’s 67th Army, these drones are used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
While Bangladesh claimed the deployment is for defence purposes, the strategic significance of positioning such advanced drones in a sensitive region has not been overlooked by India.
Intelligence inputs indicate that extremist groups, suppressed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, are regaining ground in areas near the Indian border.
The inputs mentioned that terror groups and smuggling networks were exploiting the political instability in Bangladesh to infiltrate into India.
The Bayraktar TB2 drones, acquired by Bangladesh earlier this year, have enhanced its ability to conduct surveillance and light strike operations.
Defence Technology of Bangladesh (DTB) reported that six out of the 12 drones ordered are now operational.
The armed forces are already on high alert in the backdrop of the prevailing unrest in Bangladesh and are closely assessing the fresh drone deployments.
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The forces may consider deploying Heron TP drones and stepping up counter-drone operations in sensitive areas.
India is also leveraging intelligence-sharing mechanisms and cooperation with international partners to track the situation in Bangladesh.
