Dhaka, Dec 01 (V7N) — India’s Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has reaffirmed that he continues to regard Bangladesh as a “friend” and expressed hope that the neighboring country will soon return to stability amid its ongoing political situation.
 
Speaking at an event titled ‘Indian Navy – Navigating Amidst Ongoing Flux of Geopolitics, Technology and Tactics,’ organized by the Navy Foundation Pune Chapter on Sunday, Admiral Tripathi made the remarks during the question-and-answer session that followed his lecture.
 
Responding to a question on India’s current perception of Bangladesh, Admiral Tripathi said he was not willing to describe Bangladesh as anything other than a friend. He noted that the present situation in the neighboring country appeared to be a temporary and transitional phase.
 
He added that it would be wise to wait before drawing conclusions, as Bangladesh has yet to conduct its national elections. “It is better to refrain from making any comment at this stage,” he said.
 
The Navy Chief highlighted ongoing cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces, noting that India continues to train personnel from Bangladesh. “On Sunday morning, I met a Bangladeshi officer cadet who graduated from the National Defence Academy. My first planned foreign trip after taking command was to Bangladesh. I was offered a visit to a more influential capital, but I declined—I wanted to visit Bangladesh,” he said.
 
Admiral Tripathi praised Bangladesh’s warmth, hospitality, and strong sense of gratitude toward India’s past support, calling the experience “remarkable.”
 
When asked about Pakistan Navy’s recent test of the indigenously developed hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile, SMASH, and whether it poses a challenge to India, the Navy Chief acknowledged the technological complexity but dismissed concerns about India’s preparedness.
 
He stated that India is already working at the national level to counter such threats. “Many of our scientists are actively researching this. Hypersonic systems are disruptive and highly specialized technologies, and we are working closely with DRDO and our industrial partners,” he said.
 
Admiral Tripathi added that India has presented this challenge to its brightest researchers and is awaiting their recommendations. “The government is fully aware of this threat and the required response. Many people are working on it, and I can assure you that appropriate measures are being taken,” he said.
 
The Indian Navy Chief’s remarks come at a time when regional geopolitics and internal political transitions in Bangladesh continue to draw international attention.
 
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