In a strategic move under the Quad Ports for Future initiative, the United States is exploring the possibility of establishing a foothold in Bangladesh’s port sector—potentially signaling a significant shift in the geopolitical dynamics of the Bay of Bengal. The move, however, may unsettle India, which remains a close Quad ally but currently lacks a direct role in the US initiative in Bangladesh.
According to persons familiar with the developments, the US has recently conducted a preliminary meeting with key stakeholders in Dhaka to discuss prospects for port development. As a next step, Washington is expected to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study before moving forward with any concrete proposals.
The Bay of Bengal has increasingly become a focal point for regional and global powers. The United States’ interest in securing a strategic presence in the area is widely seen as part of broader efforts to counter China’s deepening footprint in South Asia. China has invested heavily in infrastructure across the region, including the nearby Kyaukpyu port in Myanmar as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Ironically, despite being a central member of the Quad—comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia—India currently has no formal involvement in the US-led port plan in Bangladesh. This has raised concerns in New Delhi about potential strategic overlaps and regional competition among Quad members.
India, for its part, is reportedly considering its own plans to build a port in Bangladesh under a public-private-partnership (PPP) model. This would further deepen its maritime and logistical integration with its eastern neighbor. In recent years, India has made significant inroads, including gaining operational rights in 2024 to a terminal at Bangladesh’s Mongla port. Furthermore, Bangladesh granted India access to both the Chittagong and Mongla ports for cargo and transit in 2018.
Japan, another Quad member, is also a key player in Bangladesh’s port infrastructure. Tokyo is currently constructing a deep sea port at Matarbari, which is expected to become a major regional transshipment and industrial hub. The Matarbari project aims to accommodate large container ships, reduce logistics costs, and enhance connectivity for Bangladesh and India’s northeastern states.
Amid these developments, the US military has reportedly shown increased activity in the Chittagong area, raising further speculation about Washington’s long-term strategic goals in the region.
While the Quad has often emphasized cooperation and transparency, the lack of Indian involvement in the US’s early-stage talks in Dhaka may test the unity and mutual trust within the grouping. Observers note that coordination among Quad partners will be crucial to avoid redundancy, foster synergy, and ensure that strategic initiatives in the Indo-Pacific remain aligned.
As the US moves ahead with its feasibility study and consultations in Bangladesh, all eyes will be on how India positions itself—both in terms of diplomatic response and infrastructure investment—to safeguard its own strategic and economic interests in the Bay of Bengal.
