The remarks made by Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus regarding India’s Northeastern states have sparked sharp criticism across the political spectrum in India.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and several opposition leaders have condemned his statements, calling them offensive and strategically alarming.
A video circulating on social media, reportedly from Yunus’ recent four-day visit to China, shows him discussing the strategic position of India’s Northeast. He refers to the seven Northeastern states as a landlocked region with no direct access to the ocean.
In his remarks, he describes Bangladesh as the “guardian of the ocean” for the region and suggests that it could serve as an economic gateway for China.
His comments come at a time when Bangladesh has been strengthening ties with Beijing following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government. India, which has provided refuge to Hasina, has been closely monitoring Dhaka’s geopolitical moves.
Tensions between the two countries have already escalated over reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, prompting strong statements from both sides.
However, in a gesture of goodwill on Bangladesh’s Liberation Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently wrote to Yunus, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
The controversy has reignited concerns about regional security and strategic vulnerabilities. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lashed out at Yunus, calling his statement an attack on India’s sovereignty.
Sarma highlighted the ongoing security concerns surrounding the "Chicken’s Neck" corridor, a narrow land passage in West Bengal’s Siliguri that connects the Northeast to the rest of India.
He stressed the need for better infrastructure, urging the government to develop stronger road and rail links to reduce dependency on this fragile corridor.
He also warned that such provocative statements should not be taken lightly, as they reflect deeper strategic agendas.
“Even internal elements within India have dangerously suggested severing this corridor to isolate the Northeast from the mainland. Developing alternative routes is not just about connectivity but a necessity for national security,” he stated.
Tripura’s Tipra Motha leader, Pradyot Manikya, took an even stronger stance, advocating for a complete re-evaluation of India’s approach towards Bangladesh. He suggested that India should reclaim historical territories rather than depend on a government that appears ungrateful.
“Rather than investing billions in engineering complex solutions, why not consider breaking up Bangladesh and reclaiming access to the sea?” he said.
He emphasised that the Chittagong Hill Tracts, historically inhabited by indigenous tribes, always wanted to be part of India but were handed over to Pakistan in 1947.
Congress leader Pawan Khera criticised the government’s response, warning that Bangladesh was aligning with China to create a strategic threat against India. He accused the Modi government of neglecting the security of the Northeast and failing to counter growing Chinese influence in the region.
“Manipur is burning, China has built villages in Arunachal, and now Bangladesh is openly inviting China to extend its reach. This is a clear failure of foreign policy,” he remarked.
Gaurav Gogoi, another senior Congress leader, expressed concern over Yunus’ remarks, stating that they undermine India’s territorial integrity.
He pointed out the contradiction in India’s diplomatic approach, noting that Prime Minister Modi had recently emphasised strong ties with Bangladesh, only to receive such controversial statements in return.
Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, also questioned the intent behind Yunus' remarks. He pointed out that China is free to invest in Bangladesh but wondered why Yunus chose to highlight the Northeast’s landlocked status in his appeal to Beijing.
Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, strongly condemned Yunus’ comments, stating that they disregarded India’s sovereignty.
She reminded that formal agreements between India and Bangladesh already ensure the Northeast’s access to the Bay of Bengal and that Yunus’ remarks were entirely unwarranted.
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