New Delhi: Amid the regime change in Bangladesh, Dhaka has backtracked on its decision to send its C-130 transport aircraft for the second phase of India’s first major multilateral international air exercise—Tarang Shakti.
However, it will send in three senior military officers as observers, sources in the defence establishment said, emphasising that Bangladesh is not boycotting the event.
Sources also told ThePrint that Sri Lanka, which was initially not sending in an aircraft, will now participate with two B-200 Super King Air maritime surveillance aircraft.
While the first phase of Tarang Shakti was held in Sulur between 6 and 14 August, the second phase started on 29 August in Jodhpur and will go on till 14 September.
Bangladesh’s decision comes against the backdrop of a tumultuous political climate in the country. Following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August after widespread student protests, a 14-member interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus, took charge. With the new government sworn in, India’s relations with Bangladesh have run into troubled waters. Sheikh Hasina’s arrival in Delhi following her ouster has led to growing calls from Bangladesh for her extradition. Since taking power, the new government has been openly critical of Hasina’s decision to seek refuge in New Delhi.
Other participants in the exercise include the UAE, Australia, Japan, Greece, US and Singapore. The UAE will participate with Global 6000 and F16, Australia with EA18 Growler, Japan with F2, Greece with F16, Singapore with C130 and US with A10, F16 and KC 135 tankers.
Indian aircraft that will take part in the exercise include LCA Tejas, Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, MiG-29 (both Indian Air Force and Navy), Light Combat Helicopter (Prachand), ALH Mk-IV (Rudra), C-130, IL-78 and AWACS.
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