Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi expressed confidence that India’s relationship with Bangladesh will improve, referring to the nation as a “friend” despite current political strains. He recalled warm hospitality during his visit and hopes for a positive turn after Bangladesh’s February 2026 parliamentary elections. Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi (File photo) NEW DELHI: Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Sunday said he would not call Bangladesh “anything other than a friend” and expressed confidence that “things would turn around” for India’s eastern neighbour after its parliamentary elections in February 2026.India–Bangladesh relations have remained strained since the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, 2024. Hasina, who resigned after months of student-led protests, has been living in Delhi since her ouster.India’s Maritime Future Is Preordained: CDS Chauhan Predicts Indian Navy’s Decisive Warfighting Role“I would still refrain from calling Bangladesh anything other than a friend — because this could be a temporary and transitory moment. We’ll have to wait; elections have to happen, and then something else can happen,” Admiral Tripathi said in Pune, where he attended the passing-out parade of cadets at the National Defence Academy (NDA).He added that he met Bangladeshi cadets — the NDA also trains cadets from friendly foreign countries — ahead of the parade, and recalled that his first visit after taking over as Navy chief was to Bangladesh.“I was supposed to go to some ‘fancy’ capital but I said, ‘No. I must first go to Bangladesh.’ Tremendous warmth, tremendous hospitality…tremendous nostalgia about what India did,” he remarked, referring possibly to the 1971 India-Pakistan war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.“I’m an eternal optimist and I hope that things would turn around as far as Bangladesh is concerned,” Admiral Tripathi remarked.The neighbouring nation is currently governed by a caretaker administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which assumed charge days after Hasina’s exit.Hasina was recently sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi International Crimes Tribunal for “crimes against humanity” linked to the student protest movement. Dhaka has repeatedly sought her extradition, while New Delhi maintains that the request remains under “consideration.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPak Handler Shahzad Bhatti Directed Gurdaspur Grenade Attack: Special Cell‘Stay Mentally Prepared’: Rajnath Singh’s Remark Fuels Talk Of Another Operation Sindoor‘4,000 Soldier Deaths, 20,000 Injured’: Pak FM Ishaq Dar Blames Taliban For Troop LossesAirbus A320 Glitch: Ex-IAF Pilot Shows How ELAC 2 Fails In Real-Time Flight Simulation‘Can’t Make Someone Disappear’: Shashi Tharoor Calls Out Pakistan Over Imran Khan’s Death RumoursPolitics Increasingly ‘Trumps’ Economics: EAM Jaishankar’s Veiled Swipe At US Amid Trade Tensions4 Dead, 1 Injured As Fire Engulfs Four-Storey Building In South DelhiKashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0: 300 Varanasi Students To Visit Tamil Nadu As Centre Expands Tamil Outreach“Our Rashtra Built On Culture, Not Clashes”: RSS Chief’s Big Claim On Nationhood“Oppression Will Trigger Jihad”: Jamiat Chief’s Explosive Claim Stirs Storm123PhotostoriesThe tiny behaviours that reveal someone is ready for long-term loveNutritionist shares lab tests to identify the root cause of everyday health issues8 edible plants you can easily grow in glass jars at home10 ways to enjoy moringa leaves to boost immunity and digestionFrom Raj Kapoor to Kamal Haasan: Celebrities who fought bankruptcy and emerged strongerShah Rukh Khan- Gauri to Dharmendra-Hema Malini: Bollywood power couples who follow different faiths but are happily married7 protein mistakes vegetarians commonly makeWhen actors became filmmakers: Raj Kapoor to Rakesh Roshan and their iconic directorial journeysFrom Madhavan to Kavin: Tamil cinema’s charming chocolate boy iconsChennai’s Corridor 5 Tunnelling Boost: Four TBMs Drive 5.8km Underground Stretch123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGiannis AntetokounmpoBo BichetteED SheeranMLB Trade RumorsStefon diggsSouth Delhi SuicideBike Driver Account Udaipur EDAyesha CurryFuzzy ZoellerJammie Booker
NEW DELHI: Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Sunday said he would not call Bangladesh “anything other than a friend” and expressed confidence that “things would turn around” for India’s eastern neighbour after its parliamentary elections in February 2026.India–Bangladesh relations have remained strained since the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, 2024. Hasina, who resigned after months of student-led protests, has been living in Delhi since her ouster.
“I would still refrain from calling Bangladesh anything other than a friend — because this could be a temporary and transitory moment. We’ll have to wait; elections have to happen, and then something else can happen,” Admiral Tripathi said in Pune, where he attended the passing-out parade of cadets at the National Defence Academy (NDA).He added that he met Bangladeshi cadets — the NDA also trains cadets from friendly foreign countries — ahead of the parade, and recalled that his first visit after taking over as Navy chief was to Bangladesh.“I was supposed to go to some ‘fancy’ capital but I said, ‘No. I must first go to Bangladesh.’ Tremendous warmth, tremendous hospitality…tremendous nostalgia about what India did,” he remarked, referring possibly to the 1971 India-Pakistan war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.“I’m an eternal optimist and I hope that things would turn around as far as Bangladesh is concerned,” Admiral Tripathi remarked.The neighbouring nation is currently governed by a caretaker administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which assumed charge days after Hasina’s exit.Hasina was recently sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi International Crimes Tribunal for “crimes against humanity” linked to the student protest movement. Dhaka has repeatedly sought her extradition, while New Delhi maintains that the request remains under “consideration.”
