Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman is unlikely to attend India’s UN Troop Contributing Countries’ Chiefs Conclave amid strained bilateral ties. The New Delhi event will gather over 30 nations to strengthen cooperation on UN peacekeeping missions.
As India prepares to host senior military leaders from around the world for the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries’ (UNTCC) Chiefs Conclave in New Delhi from October 14 to 16, sources have indicated that Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman is unlikely to attend the event. The development comes amid a period of diplomatic unease between the two neighbouring nations following the formation of the interim government in Bangladesh.
According to reports, officials familiar with the matter suggested that General Waker-Uz-Zaman may skip the conclave, and a junior officer might represent Bangladesh instead. “There are possibilities that the Bangladesh Army Chief will not take part in this conference and would be replaced by one of his junior colleagues,” an official said on condition of anonymity.
The Indian Army is hosting the high-profile global gathering, which will see the participation of top military chiefs and senior representatives from over 30 nations. The event aims to strengthen cooperation among United Nations peacekeeping troop contributors, promote dialogue, and exchange best practices. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the conclave dates and details in an official statement on Wednesday.
A Curtain Raiser for the event was held on October 1 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, where Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (DCOAS), briefed the media about the arrangements and objectives of the upcoming conclave. He emphasised that the forum would provide “a unique platform for UN Troop Contributing Countries to foster dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding.”
Lt Gen Kapoor further underlined India’s deep-rooted engagement with UN peacekeeping operations, recalling that India has historically been one of the largest contributors to UN missions. “The Indian Army stands ready to share its operational experience, innovations, and best practices,” he said. India has deployed over 250,000 personnel in various UN missions since its inception, reflecting its longstanding commitment to global peace and security.
Bangladesh’s Absence Reflects Growing Tensions
The possible absence of the Bangladesh Army Chief from such a major multilateral event has drawn attention, especially given the recent diplomatic friction between New Delhi and Dhaka. The strain in ties reportedly began following the formation of the interim government in Bangladesh, which has triggered political uncertainty and cautious responses from India.
While India and Bangladesh have traditionally enjoyed close cooperation in security, connectivity, and trade, recent developments appear to have created unease in diplomatic and military engagements. Analysts suggest that the decision by General Waker-Uz-Zaman to skip the conclave may be an indirect reflection of the cooling ties between the two militaries, though Dhaka has made no official statement confirming this.
For India, the UNTCC Chiefs Conclave is a strategic opportunity to highlight its leadership role in UN peacekeeping, reaffirming its position as a responsible global power committed to collective security. The event will also offer a chance for bilateral interactions among senior military leaders from Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Global Participation at the Conclave
The conclave is expected to see participation from nations such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, France, Italy, Algeria, Armenia, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Uruguay, Vietnam, Rwanda, and Senegal, in addition to India.
Through thematic discussions and experience-sharing sessions, the conclave will aim to strengthen the operational efficiency and interoperability among troop-contributing nations, ensuring better coordination under the UN mandate.
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As India positions itself as a global peacekeeping hub, the absence of its immediate neighbour’s Army Chief may cast a shadow on regional cooperation efforts. Nevertheless, officials in New Delhi maintain that the conclave will proceed smoothly, with strong representation from across continents reaffirming the global community’s commitment to peacekeeping and multilateralism.
