Gen Kapoor to boost military ties in Dhaka visit

Kapoor, who would be heading a high-level army delegation, will also stress on more pro-active efforts by both the countries to deepen bilateral relationship.     

Ahead of his visit, the Army chief said "my Bangladesh visit from July 28 is primarily for increasing army-to-army cooperation and other military issues."     

"Of course, I will be discussing issues concerning joint operations against insurgents and terror groups operating from Bangladeshi soil," Gen Kapoor said, on the sidelines of a function here on Wednesday.     

Kapoor's visit comes close on the heels of Foreign Secretary-level talks between the two countries here last week where the two countries agreed on the need for "resolute joint efforts" in tackling terrorism.     

Bangladesh's Army chief Gen Moeen U Ahmed had come to Delhi some months back and promised to "usher a new era of close cooperation" between the two countries.     

Gen Kapoor's visit to Bangladesh assumes significance as the military of that country backs its caretaker government in the run up to fresh elections.     

"The relationship between the two armies have so far been limited to some officers attending courses in each other's training institutions," a senior officer in Army headquarters said adding "time has come to deepen military cooperation that will initiate joint counter-terrorism exercises and possible joint patrolling along the borders".