Putni Island, a new landmass in the Bay of Bengal near Sundarbans, has emerged as Bangladesh's potential gateway to expanded maritime territory and fresh geopolitical tensions with India.

Local fishermen first spotted the island in the late 1990s when sea suddenly receded, revealing unfamiliar soil beneath sand. Initially dismissed as a temporary sandbank, the formation has now stabilised with grass and mangrove roots. Red crabs, white-bellied waterbirds, and Sundarbans deer inhabit the land.

Scientists describe Putni as an ongoing geographical experiment where sediment from Himalayan rivers has created permanent territory. According to international maritime law, permanent landmasses extend a nation's economic and sovereign rights from the coast. Retired naval officers suggest Putni's international recognition could expand Bangladesh's maritime domain by at least 1,00,000 square kilometres, granting access to fishing grounds, gas blocks, mineral resources, and sea route control.

India's concern stems from historical precedent. Talpatti Island emerged in the 1970s, claimed by both nations, with India hoisting its flag before the island vanished in a 2009 cyclone. Putni now revives those tensions. Although entirely within Bangladeshi waters, the island sits close to international maritime boundaries. India may challenge maritime delimitation if Bangladesh recalculates coastlines based on Putni's emergence.

Bay of Bengal has become a South Asian hotspot attracting China, India, and the United States. Putni's rise introduces a new variable. If developed as a forward naval base, it could revolutionise coastal security, monitoring illicit trade, piracy, and unauthorised fishing.

Economically, surrounding waters contain natural fish and crab breeding grounds. Experts envision eco-tourism zones and marine research centres benefiting Bangladesh's blue economy. However, climate risk persists as Putni rises only one to 1.5 metres above sea level, making it vulnerable to storm surges.