Is Bangladesh Provoking India At Sea After Land Tensions, Fishing Boat Incident Raises Serious Alarm

India is closely watching a troubling pattern emerging from its eastern neighbour. While anti-India demonstrations continue on Bangladeshi streets, tension has now surfaced in the Bay of Bengal. Over the past two months, Indian agencies have observed an unusual rise in Bangladeshi fishing vessels entering waters close to India’s maritime boundary. This has raised questions about intent rather than coincidence. The concern is that provocation may no longer be confined to political rhetoric or border incidents on land.

What Happened With The Indian Fishing Trawler?

The situation escalated sharply on December 15 when a Bangladeshi naval patrol vessel allegedly rammed an Indian fishing trawler carrying 16 fishermen. The collision caused the vessel, identified as FB Paramita, to capsize. Fishermen reportedly fell into the sea in darkness. Eleven were later rescued by the Indian Coast Guard, but five remain missing. The incident has intensified fears over the safety of Indian fishermen operating near the international maritime boundary.

Were Navigation Lights Switched Off?

According to survivor accounts and preliminary reports, the Bangladeshi patrol ship’s lights were allegedly switched off at the time of the collision. This made it difficult for the Indian trawler to spot the vessel at night. Such claims, if confirmed, would represent a serious breach of maritime safety norms. Operating without lights in busy fishing zones dramatically increases the risk of fatal accidents and raises suspicions about deliberate manoeuvres rather than navigational error.

Claims Of Violence Deepen The Crisis

The incident has taken a darker turn with allegations that one fisherman was killed using a spear-like weapon after the collision. Survivors have claimed that there was an attempt to kill all those on board. One fisherman, identified as Rajdul Ali Sheikh, was reportedly attacked. While these claims are under investigation, they have significantly escalated the gravity of the incident and added emotional and political weight to the unfolding crisis.

Is This Linked To Bangladesh’s Political Transition?

The timing of the incident is critical. Bangladesh is heading towards elections in February, and anti-India narratives have grown stronger since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. Under the interim leadership of Mohammed Yunus, Dhaka has sought to expand its influence in the Bay of Bengal. Yunus has previously described Bangladesh as the “guardian of the seas” in the region, a statement that has caused concern in New Delhi due to its strategic implications.

What Does Bangladesh Say In Response?

Bangladesh has rejected the reports, calling them misleading. Dhaka claims its patrol vessel was nearly 12 nautical miles away from the incident site. At the same time, Indian authorities have not yet confirmed whether the fishing trawler crossed into Bangladeshi waters or if the naval vessel entered Indian territory. This ambiguity underscores the need for a transparent and joint investigation to prevent further escalation.

Is This A Deliberate Test Of India?

Security analysts believe the episode may be more than an isolated maritime accident. Foreign affairs expert Raman Murti has described the incident as a deliberate provocation, suggesting that Bangladesh may be seeking confrontation with India as a way to shift domestic narratives. With tensions rising both on land and at sea, the episode marks a serious test of bilateral restraint. How New Delhi responds could shape the next phase of India-Bangladesh relations.