**Summary:**
On August 8, 2025, the Lok Sabha addressed Unstarred Question No. 3403 regarding the potential restarting of operations at the Lalmonirhat Airbase in Bangladesh, specifically inquiring about potential Chinese involvement and associated security concerns for India. Shri Kaushalendra Kumar posed the question to the Minister of External Affairs.
In response, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, stated that the Government of India is aware of reports regarding the Lalmonirhat airbase. The government has also taken note of a press briefing held on May 26, 2025, by the Director of Military Operations of the Bangladesh Army, which indicated that there are currently no plans to utilize the Lalmonirhat airfield for military purposes.
The Minister affirmed that the Government of India is actively monitoring all developments that could impact national security and is taking all necessary measures to protect it. The response did not indicate that any formal objections had been lodged with Bangladesh.
Key Entities Referenced
Lalmonirhat Airbase: An airbase located in Lalmonirhat District, Bangladesh, subject of discussion regarding potential restarting of operations and security implications.
Bangladesh: A country bordering India, mentioned in the context of authorizing China to restart operations at Lalmonirhat Airbase.
China: A country mentioned in the context of potentially restarting operations at the Lalmonirhat Airbase in Bangladesh.
India: Country that shares border with Bangladesh and has security concerns over potential operations at Lalmonirhat Airbase.
Ministry of External Affairs: The Indian government ministry responsible for external affairs, which is answering the question in the Lok Sabha.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the question regarding Lalmonirhat Airbase was raised.
SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR: The member of parliament who raised the question about Lalmonirhat Airbase in the Lok Sabha.
Director of Military Operations of Bangladesh Army: Official whose press briefing is mentioned, clarifying that there are no current plans to use the Lalmonirhat airfield for military purposes.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3403
ANSWERED ON – 08/08/2025
RESTARTING OF LALMONIRHAT AIRBASE IN BANGLADESH
†3403. SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether Bangladesh has authorised China to restart operations at its
Lalmonirhat Airbase, if so, whether any security concerns are likely to
arise for our country as India shares its border with Bangladesh; and
(b) whether the Government has lodged its objections with Bangladesh in
this regard, if so, the details thereof?
1ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) & (b) The Government of India has noted reports concerning the
Lalmonirhat airbase in Bangladesh. It has also noted a press briefing on 26
May 2025 by the Director of Military Operations of Bangladesh Army, in
which it has been stated that there are no plans at present for the
Lalmonirhat airfield to be used for military purposes. The Government of
India continues to monitor all developments having a bearing on national
security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.
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