As China expands its defense cooperation with Bangladesh, India is all set to dispatch its Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar to Dhaka in coming weeks in a bid to balance China's influence in the region.  

The two visit will aim to enhance bilateral defense cooperation, a move that comes day after Beijing delivered two naval submarines to Bangladesh government. The two-day visit will start on Nov. 30.  

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Sources from the Indian government claim that Parrikar will discuss new defense cooperation framework during his two-day visit. The framework will aim to enhance cooperation in key defense areas such as military supplies, technology transfer, and joint exercises.

Sources said that development during Parrikar's visit will be "inked when Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina visits India in December."

Talking specifically about new defense cooperation, people close to New Delhi said "India can supply OPVs (offshore patrol vessels) to Dhaka through innovative financing mechanisms. The training of Bangladeshi personnel in Indian military establishments will also be increased under the overall capacity-building."  

It must also be noted that both countries are currently carrying out the sixth edition of their joint military exercise, known as "Sampriti" near Dhaka city.

All these efforts being undertaken by New Delhi are apparently aimed at countering China's growing influence in Bangladesh. India is making similar efforts to balance Beijing's strategic influence in other neighbouring regions like Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Defense experts say that India is wary about China increasing its footprint across South Asian region, a region that has been traditionally dominated by New Delhi.

China's relationship with Bangladesh

Beijing's relationship with Dhaka has been on an upward trajectory for several years now. The bonhomie resulted in President Xi Jinping's visit to Bangladesh in October, the first by a China's top leader in 30 years.

Both countries have also forged close defense ties over the years, with Chinese government successfully delivering its first ever naval submarine to Bangladesh on Tuesday.

There also have been hiccups in the relationship, with Sheikh Hasina government cancelling a major port project with Chinese company. The decision was reportedly made following pressure from Indian government.

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