Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus made controversial remarks during his visit to China for the Boao Forum for Asia, criticizing regional connectivity and trade.
He referred to India's northeastern states (the "Seven Sisters") as a "land-locked" area, ignoring India's vast coastline.
Yunus claimed Bangladesh is the "guardian of ocean access" and suggested that India’s northeastern states, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh be part of the Chinese economy.
His remarks raised diplomatic tensions with India amid issues like attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and demands for former PM Sheikh Hasina's repatriation.
India did not invite Yunus to visit, which was viewed as a possible diplomatic snub, suggesting a shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy towards China.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned Yunus's remarks as offensive, suggesting they aimed to highlight India’s strategic vulnerability via the “Chicken’s Neck” corridor.
Yunus’s comments may have aimed to appeal to China or promote regional connectivity but lacked sensitivity to geopolitical concerns.
A more suitable platform for such discussions could have been the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand with Indian and South Asian leaders.
Despite the controversy, India’s President and PM sent Eid greetings and Independence Day messages to Yunus, showing interest in diplomatic ties.
There’s hope for a sideline meeting between PM Modi and Yunus at the BIMSTEC summit to ease tensions.
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