Bangladesh is aiming to acquire short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) from Pakistan, specifically the “Abdali SRBM” to deter any possible Indian attack amid deteriorating ties, an Indian media report has claimed.

While citing an intelligence report, india.com claimed that Dhaka had approached Islamabad to procure the Abdali SRBM, which boasts a range of 400km. The move is seen as an effort to strengthen the South Asian country’s defence capabilities and deter any potential aggression from India.

The report comes more than a week after the United States imposed additional sanctions on four Pakistan-based entities for their alleged involvement in the country’s ballistic missile programme.

“The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern,” the State Department said in its statement.

The entities include the Islamabad-based National Development Complex and three Karachi-based companies: Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise.

The defence website Indian Defence Research Wing report alleged that Pakistan is “likely to comply” with the request for “enhancing its regional influence” and the sale “would not significantly alter the strategic balance against Pakistan” as these missiles have a short range and are aimed at India, with whom Bangladesh shares an extensive border.

The report alleged that in order to meet Bangladesh’s request for Abdali SRBMs, Pakistan must navigate complex global arms control frameworks like the Missile Technology Control Regime. Although neither nation is a member of the MTCR, such regulations could significantly impact Islamabad’s final decision.

Experts warn that the Abdali SRBM, known as “Hatf-II in the Pakistan Army, could represent a considerable threat to India’s northeastern states. Despite its limited range, the tactical ballistic missile is capable of reaching major cities in Northeastern India.

Developed by Pakistan’s Space Research Commission, the Abdali missile system is engineered for rapid response in battlefield scenarios.