Teesta To Mongla: How China's Growing Clout In Bangladesh Could Reshape India's Security Calculus

Published 29 June 2026 · india

Teesta To Mongla: How China's Growing Clout In Bangladesh Could Reshape India's Security Calculus Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 29, 2026, 15:26 IST

Teesta To Mongla: How China's Growing Clout In Bangladesh Could Reshape India's Security Calculus Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 29, 2026, 15:26 IST Sources said Chinese-built port infrastructure could enable real-time tracking of shipping movements, cargo manifests and even dual-use military supplies moving through the region Rapid Read Intel officials believe the growing Chinese presence at Mongla, coupled with Beijing's involvement at Chittagong Port, goes beyond commercial investments. (AI-Generated Image) China’s expanding economic, infrastructure and defence footprint in Bangladesh is raising fresh security concerns in India, with top intelligence sources warning that what was once viewed as a long-term strategic possibility has now become “an active reality" with significant military and geopolitical implications. According to top intelligence sources, Beijing’s strategy of strategically encircling India is no longer theoretical. Instead, they say, China is steadily building a network of economic, logistical and defence partnerships across Bangladesh that could alter the security landscape in the Bay of Bengal and India’s eastern frontier. A major point of concern is Bangladesh’s reported decision to allot a 110-acre economic zone at Mongla Port to a Chinese state-owned corporation.

The site had originally been allocated to India under a 2015 bilateral agreement, according to intelligence sources. Concerns Over Chinese-Controlled Port Infrastructure Intelligence officials believe the growing Chinese presence at Mongla, coupled with Beijing’s involvement at Chittagong Port, goes beyond commercial investments. ALSO READ | Why Is Japan Suddenly Investing More In India? The Answer May Be China According to the sources, Chinese-built port infrastructure, including ZPMC cranes integrated with Beijing-backed LOGINK logistics platform, could enable real-time tracking of shipping movements, cargo manifests and even dual-use military supplies moving through the region. The officials also allege that such infrastructure could provide China with enhanced maritime domain awareness, allowing it to monitor commercial and strategic shipping activity across the Bay of Bengal. Surveillance Risks Near India’s Eastern Command Another concern flagged by intelligence sources relates to the possibility of China establishing electronic surveillance capabilities in Bangladesh. The sources say Beijing could deploy Electronic Support Measure (ESM) arrays capable of intercepting and analysing radio, microwave and radar emissions from the Indian Army’s 33 Corps headquartered at Sukna in West Bengal.