Bangladesh‘s interim government’s chief Muhammad Yunus, during his recent four-day visit to China (March 26-29), emphasised the strategic importance of Bangladesh in the region, pitching it as a key player for China’s economic expansion.
Yunus argued that with Northeast India being “landlocked,” Bangladesh serves as the “only guardian of the ocean” for the region, presenting a significant opportunity for China to expand its economy by engaging with Bangladesh.
‘Seven Sisters’
In a video shared by Bangladesh’s interim government, Yunus highlighted the geographical challenges faced by India’s Northeast states, which he referred to as the “seven sisters,” stressing that these areas have no direct access to the ocean.
He proposed that Bangladesh could play a vital role in connecting the region to global markets, especially China, by facilitating the movement of goods and services.
‘Chicken’s Neck’ Corridor
India’s access to its Northeast through the narrow ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor in north Bengal has been a long-standing logistical and strategic concern.
This issue has shaped India’s engagement with Bangladesh, particularly under the previous government led by Sheikh Hasina, as both nations explored transit routes through Bangladesh.
Yunus’s remarks, therefore, suggest that Bangladesh is leveraging its geographic position to assert more influence over access to Northeast India, adding a layer of complexity to already delicate relations between New Delhi and Dhaka.
Bangladesh’s Policy Shift
Additionally, Yunus’s comments about China, describing the country as a key partner for Bangladesh, indicate a potential shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy towards closer economic ties with Beijing, which could impact India-Bangladesh dynamics.
Wrapping up his visit, Yunus emphasised the importance of maintaining strong ties with China, noting that Bangladesh’s relationship with Beijing has been beneficial, especially in light of Bangladesh’s current political and economic challenges.
Yunus-Jinping Meeting
He met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss increased investments aimed at revitalising Bangladesh’s economy.
Yunus further expressed his hope that this relationship would enter a new phase, reflecting a deepened economic and strategic partnership.
India’s Reaction
The Modi government has not officially reacted to the matter yet.
However, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam — the largest northeastern state of India, on Tuesday strongly condemned Yunus’s remark on Northeast India, calling the Bangladeshi leader’s statement “offensive”.
“The statement made by Md Younis of Bangladesh’s so-called interim Government, referring to the seven sister states of Northeast India as landlocked and positioning Bangladesh as their guardian of ocean access, is offensive and strongly condemnable,” Biswa Sarma wrote on X.
“This remark underscores the persistent vulnerability narrative associated with India’s strategic ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor.”
“Such provocative statements by Md. Younis must not be taken lightly, as they reflect deeper strategic considerations and longstanding agendas,” he added.
BIMSTEC Summit
Meanwhile, ahead of the upcoming BIMSTEC summit in Thailand, Yunus has requested a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
However, India has not confirmed the meeting as of now. This comes as the strategic importance of India’s Northeast remains central to India’s diplomatic priorities within regional groupings.
