Sino-Indian rivalry in Indo-Pacific and Bangladesh’s geo-strategic hedging in response to its security threats

The intensifying Sino-Indian rivalry, alongside the growing influence of other major powers like the USA, Japan, and Australia, has elevated the Indo-Pacific as a critical geopolitical and geoeconomic hub. Bangladesh, as a key littoral state, faces security challenges due to the competing interests of India and China. This paper investigates Bangladesh’s strategy for mitigating security threats arising from this power rivalry. Specifically, it analyzes how Bangladesh aligns its objectives with those of China and India to balance its security concerns. Using hedging theory as a conceptual framework, this study employs a qualitative methodology, relying on secondary sources such as academic literature, policy reports, government statements, and media coverage. The paper concludes that Bangladesh adopts a nuanced hedging strategy, engaging diplomatically and economically with both India and China while maintaining a position of neutrality and nonalignment. This approach helps Bangladesh secure its national interests amidst regional rivalries among major powers.