A controversial statement by Bangladesh’s interim government chief advisor, Muhammad Yunus, has sparked outrage in India. During a trip to China, Yunus referred to India’s Northeast as "landlocked," positioning Bangladesh as its "guardian of ocean access." His remarks, seen as provocative, have drawn sharp reactions from Indian leaders. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned the comments as offensive, urging stronger infrastructure links to secure the region. Pradyot Manikya of Tripura’s Tipra Motha party even suggested reclaiming areas like Chittagong Hill Tracts. Congress leader Pawan Khera accused Bangladesh of aligning with China to threaten India’s sovereignty, while others questioned Yunus’s intent. Former Indian High Commissioner Veena Sikri called the remarks unacceptable, citing existing agreements on maritime access. The controversy highlights growing geopolitical tensions amid Dhaka’s outreach to Beijing and strains in Indo-Bangladesh relations, raising concerns over regional stability and India’s strategic interests.
KEY WORDS:
Muhammad Yunus Bangladesh Interim Government Northeast India Seven Sisters States Landlocked Region Ocean Access Chicken's Neck Corridor Himanta Biswa Sarma Pradyot Manikya Chittagong Hill Tracts Indigenous Tribes India-Bangladesh Relations China-Bangladesh Ties Geopolitical Tensions Northeast Connectivity Tripura Politics Pawan Khera Narendra Modi Foreign Policy Challenges Regional Stability South Asia
