India and Bangladesh, in a mutual effort to strengthen their defence relationship, have signed agreements to expand cooperation in military education, particularly in strategic and operational studies. These agreements, beneficial to both nations, also extend to crucial sectors such as maritime security, ocean economy, space, and telecommunication.
According to the Defence Ministry, the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, and the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), Mirpur, Dhaka, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in Military Education in Strategic and Operational Studies. This MoU is a significant step towards enhancing the professional capabilities of armed forces and fostering closer ties between our two nations.
Both colleges, united by a common ethos and facing similar challenges, play a crucial role in training officers of tri-services, preparing them for higher staff and command responsibilities. Recognising this shared purpose, the Defence Ministry has decided to sign an MoU to enhance bilateral engagements further.
The MoU, signed during the official state visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh to India on 22 June, is a comprehensive agreement. It will not only enhance professional acumen and provide deep insight into strategic affairs but also share best practices and expertise and augment the academic capabilities of student officers and faculty members. The statement said that the MoU will facilitate the conduct of various training packages, joint seminars, faculty exchanges, and reciprocal instructor visits, among other initiatives.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction with the discussions, stating, “We have had detailed discussions from defence production to modernisation of armed forces.” He warmly welcomed Bangladesh’s decision to join his Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, a move that will significantly expand and facilitate regional cooperation among India’s maritime neighbours. These agreements, he emphasised, are a testament to India’s commitment to a neighborhood-first approach, a strategy that promises mutual benefits for both nations.
Team BharatShakti
