Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, has described his country as the “only guardian of the ocean” for India’s landlocked northeastern states, in comments that have sparked political uproar across the border.
Speaking during a four-day visit to China, Yunus pointed out that the seven northeastern states of India—commonly referred to as the “Seven Sisters”—have no direct access to the sea.
“Seven states of eastern India — the Seven Sisters — they are landlocked. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We are the only guardian of the ocean,” Yunus said.
His remarks were made while outlining opportunities for deeper regional economic integration, particularly involving China. “Build things, produce things, market things,” he added. “Nepal has hydropower, Bhutan has hydropower—we can bring them to our purpose. You can produce in Bangladesh and sell in China.”
A Strategic Pivot Toward China
In a notable shift from the previous administration, Bangladesh has now invited China to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project—a plan earlier linked with India under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. Dhaka also sought Beijing’s support for modernising the Mongla Port.
The renewed embrace of China follows a downturn in Dhaka’s relations with New Delhi. Ties have soured since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024 after a wave of student-led protests over a controversial quota system.
Since then, New Delhi has voiced concerns over rising anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh and alleged attacks on minorities, especially Hindus. Dhaka has denied the claims, calling them an “internal matter.”
Backlash in India
Yunus’ comments have drawn a sharp rebuke from Indian political leaders, particularly in the northeastern states. A video clip of his remarks—widely circulated on social media—has intensified diplomatic unease.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned the comments as “offensive” and “strongly condemnable,” arguing they reflect a “persistent vulnerability narrative” linked to India’s strategically sensitive Siliguri Corridor—often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck”—which connects the Northeast to the rest of India.
“Such provocative statements by Md Yunus must not be taken lightly. They reflect deeper strategic considerations and longstanding agendas,” Sarma warned, calling for urgent infrastructure development to strengthen connectivity to the region.
Pradyot Manikya, leader of Tripura’s Tipra Motha Party, went further, controversially suggesting that India should consider reclaiming access to the Bay of Bengal by supporting indigenous groups in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts.
“Mr Yunus may think he is the guardian of the ocean, but the reality is he’s a stop-gap leader at nearly 85. Let’s not forget Tripura is only a few miles away from the port he’s speaking of,” Manikya said.
Congress leader Pawan Khera accused Bangladesh of courting a “Chinese siege” of India. “This government is not even watching Manipur while China has built a village in Arunachal Pradesh. Our foreign policy is in tatters,” he said.
Fellow Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi called Yunus’ remarks “deeply concerning,” especially in light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent outreach to Dhaka on Bangladesh’s Liberation Day.
“These comments undermine India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Gogoi said.
Strategic and Security Experts Sound the Alarm
Indian strategic thinkers and defence experts also weighed in, interpreting Yunus’ rhetoric as part of a larger geopolitical realignment.
Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, told Press Xpress:
“Interesting that Yunus is making a public appeal to the Chinese on the basis that seven States in India are landlocked. China is welcome to invest in Bangladesh, but what exactly is the significance of 7 Indian states being landlocked?”
Defence expert Captain Anil Gaur said Yunus was simply seeking funds.
“Yunus has gone to China to get some funds as Bangladesh’s economy has collapsed. India has nothing to worry—India is in a strong position and is now taking steps to ensure that extremist Islamist elements and others trying to infiltrate from Bangladesh are stopped.”
In an interview with Press Xpress, Dilip Ghosh, senior BJP leader and former MP from West Bengal, added:
“The current Yunus government is trying to hand over the country to China because they lack the capability to sustain themselves. For years, Bangladesh progressed with India’s support, but now the economy is near collapse.”
Veteran strategic affairs analyst Brahma Chellaney expressed grave concern:
“The more we hear Muhammad Yunus, the more it’s clear this is a government hostile to Indian interests. He is cultivating closer ties with China and Pakistan—India’s regional adversaries. China, of course, seeks to counterbalance India in South Asia.”
From Manipur, retired military general Dr Konsam Himalay Singh highlighted the security implications:
“Yunus’ statement on the seven landlocked northeastern states is huge. I would take it extremely seriously from a security perspective. Northeast India could become a battleground for a potential power game in the region.”
Diplomatic Fallout
Veena Sikri, India’s former High Commissioner to Bangladesh, also criticised the statement, noting that formal agreements already exist between the two countries regarding the Northeast’s access to the Bay of Bengal.
“It’s a shocking statement. Yunus has no right to speak this way,” she told ANI. “He knows the Northeast is an integral part of India, and we’ve had close dialogue with Bangladesh on access to the ocean.”
Meanwhile, Sanjeev Sanyal, an economic advisor to Prime Minister Modi, questioned the strategic logic behind Yunus’ statement.
“China is welcome to invest in Bangladesh. But what exactly is the significance of seven Indian states being landlocked?” he asked.
