Pakistan Signals Strategic Shift with Eastern Front Focus on India, Leveraging Bangladesh Ties
Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is indicating a strategic shift toward the eastern border with India. This move comes as Pakistan aims to capitalize on recent political developments in Bangladesh and improved relations with the United States to adjust its military strategy.
In a discussion with The Economist, Pakistan’s military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry mentioned, "We’ll start from the East," alluding to the potential for opening a new front in India's northeastern region. This strategy follows the regime change in Bangladesh in early 2025, which saw a hardline Islamist government come to power, aligning more closely with Pakistan’s interests. This change has reportedly revitalized cross-border militant activities, including arms trafficking and madrassa networks in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Munir's focus on the eastern front is rooted in three strategic objectives: strengthening relations with Dhaka, regaining strategic support from the U.S., and adopting hybrid warfare tactics. His meeting in June 2025 with former U.S. President Donald Trump and the awarding of a state honor to CENTCOM commander General Michael “Erik” Kurilla signified a notable improvement in U.S.–Pakistan relations. Trump's public criticism of India and suggestions of economic influence have further encouraged Islamabad.
Military experts have observed Pakistan's increasing reliance on unconventional tactics, such as cyber-attacks, disinformation efforts, and proxy infiltrations, aimed at stretching India’s security capabilities. This strategy comes in response to India's successful Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated long-range strike abilities that may deter traditional military offensives.
In response, India has bolstered its surveillance and troop deployments in Assam and Meghalaya, increased riverine patrols along the Brahmaputra valley, and conducted joint exercises with Myanmar. Diplomatically, New Delhi is working with ASEAN and Gulf nations to limit Islamabad’s regional influence.
Specialists caution that Pakistan’s "start from the East" strategy could heighten tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries. While hybrid warfare tactics may circumvent conventional deterrence, India's demonstrated preparedness to respond beyond the Line of Control poses a significant risk for Pakistan.
