Beyond South Asia

The Indo-Pacific region consists of the Indian Ocean and western facilities and is home to some of the fastest-growing economies and key global shipping lanes. However, why does Bangladesh, a South Asia country, incline towards the Indo-specific strategy, and does the region deserve its collaboration and participation in the strategic plan as one of its members? Basically, the reasons are Bangladesh's significant strategic location in proximity to the Bay of Bengal and at the confluence of the major three rivers, its borders surrounded by India and serving as a gateway to both South and Southeast Asia, and its friendly ties with the United States and the other members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) and many European countries. The strategic relationship Bangladesh is going to build up with this region is being pursued by the United States and its partners to encounter China. But Bangladesh always seeks to implement the non-aligned foreign policy dictum, "friendship to all, malice to none." For the formulation of a draft of the strategic outlook, it emphasises its objective for a secure and peaceful region. On the other hand, Bangladesh's relations with China are significantly important because China provides infrastructure loans and arms supplies to Bangladesh. Even though Bangladesh embraces the Indo-specific strategy, it makes attempts to placate China. Its participation in regional groupings such as the Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and its engagement with participation in the India Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Ocean Naval Symposiums highlight its desire to engage in this region and enhance its economic growth beyond South Asia. And because of its location in close proximity to the Bay of Bengal, a part of the Indo-Pacific is vulnerable to security concerns due to pirates and maritime terrorism. And it is also able to extend its partnership with key countries in this region (India, Japan, and Australia) to ensure peace and stability and to get the economic benefits offered by this region.