India Heightens Border Vigilance As Bangladesh Deploys Turkish-Made Bayraktar Drones

India has stepped up surveillance along the Bangladesh border following reports that the neighbouring country has deployed Turkish-made drones near West Bengal, reported India Today.

The development coincides with intelligence reports indicating increased terrorist activity in border areas after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government.

Sources revealed that the Indian Army is investigating claims regarding the deployment of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near the Indian border. Operated by Bangladesh's 67th Army, these drones are designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

While Bangladesh has stated the drones are intended for defensive purposes, their strategic placement in a sensitive area has drawn India's attention.

Intelligence inputs suggest that extremist elements, suppressed during Hasina's leadership, are regaining a presence near the Indian border. Reports indicate that terror groups and smuggling networks are exploiting the political instability in Bangladesh to infiltrate India.

"After Hasina's ouster, the border areas have seen a surge in anti-India elements. The combination of political instability and advanced UAV deployments near Indian borders requires heightened vigilance," a senior intelligence official told India Today.

Bayraktar Drones and Strategic Implications

Bangladesh acquired Bayraktar TB2 drones earlier this year, enhancing its capability for surveillance and light strike operations. According to the Defence Technology of Bangladesh (DTB), six out of the 12 drones ordered have been operationalised.

India's Response

The Indian armed forces are on high alert amid the unrest in Bangladesh and are carefully evaluating the new drone deployments. Options include deploying advanced drones such as the Heron TP and ramping up counter-drone operations in critical areas.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and will take countermeasures as necessary to ensure the safety and security of our borders," a senior defence official stated. India is also strengthening intelligence-sharing networks and collaborating with international partners to monitor the evolving situation in Bangladesh.