Bangladesh’s former army chief, General (Retd.) Moeen U Ahmed, told the National Independent Inquiry Commission that India had prepared for possible military intervention during the 2009 BDR mutiny if the Bangladeshi armed forces acted outside government orders. He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, feeling insecure and uncertain of army support, had sought India’s security assistance. Indian paratroopers were reportedly on standby to secure key sites in Dhaka, including the Prime Minister’s residence.

The revelations, supported by research from Avinash Paliwal of SOAS, appear in his 2024 Oxford University Press book *India’s Near East: A New History*. Former foreign secretary Touhid Hossain confirmed that Moeen was instructed not to use force, as Indian troops could have entered Dhaka within an hour. The commission’s report, submitted on November 30, 2024, details these communications and India’s readiness.

Analysts suggest the episode underscores the fragility of Bangladesh’s civil-military relations at the time and India’s strategic vigilance in the region. The findings may influence future discussions on regional security cooperation and crisis management.