Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim Prime Minister, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has stirred controversy with his remarks on India’s northeastern states during his visit to China. In a statement that has sparked diplomatic tensions, Yunus referred to the region as “landlocked” and claimed that Bangladesh is its “only maritime gateway.”
During his speech in China, Yunus invited greater Chinese investments in Bangladesh, asserting that his country could serve as an “extension” of the Chinese economy.
“India’s seven northeastern states, often referred to as the ‘Seven Sisters,’ are landlocked. They have no access to the sea. We are the only maritime gateway for this entire region. This opens up new possibilities and can be an expansion of the Chinese economy,” Yunus stated.
Growing Bangladesh-China Ties
Yunus met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and sought increased Chinese investments to revitalize Bangladesh’s struggling economy. He emphasized the need to view China as a “trusted friend” and stressed its role in ensuring economic stability and infrastructure development in Bangladesh.
His remarks come at a time when China is strengthening its strategic presence in Bangladesh, raising concerns over shifting dynamics in India-Bangladesh relations. Experts warn that Bangladesh’s growing reliance on China could pose security and diplomatic challenges for India.
Mention of Nepal and Bhutan
Yunus also extended his argument beyond India, mentioning Nepal and Bhutan. He highlighted their “immense hydropower potential” and said, “Bangladesh is the only access point to the sea for the entire region.”
Strong Reactions from India
India reacted sharply to Yunus’ statement. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned it as “insulting and unacceptable.” He argued that the remarks underscored the strategic vulnerability of India’s “Chicken’s Neck” corridor and urged the central government to accelerate railway and highway connectivity projects in the northeast.
Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of India’s Economic Advisory Council, dismissed Yunus’ statement, saying, “China can invest in Bangladesh if it wants, but what does that have to do with India’s northeast being landlocked?”
Security Analysts Raise Concerns
Defense expert Dhruv Katoch warned that Yunus’ statement signals Bangladesh’s willingness to offer China strategic access to India’s northeast, Nepal, and Bhutan. British security analyst Chris Blackburn also criticized the remarks, stating, “This is deeply concerning. Is Yunus openly inviting Chinese interference in India’s northeastern states?”
Military analysts point out that China has already built significant infrastructure, including dams and villages, near Arunachal Pradesh. Yunus’ remarks, they argue, could indicate Bangladesh’s shifting geopolitical alignment.
Rising Challenges for India
China continues to consolidate its influence near India’s northeastern border. Beijing has constructed critical infrastructure projects near Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims as “South Tibet.” In response, India has accelerated the construction of the Arunachal Frontier Highway (NH-913), considered one of its most significant border security initiatives.
With Bangladesh moving closer to China, New Delhi now faces an evolving diplomatic and security challenge in the region.
