Yunus's Northeast Comments Ignite Backlash from Indian Leaders

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus sparked outrage in India following remarks he made during a visit to China, claiming that Bangladesh is the 'only guardian of the ocean' for India's landlocked northeastern states. Indian political leaders from various parties condemned his statements as 'shameful' and 'provocative', with Congress leader Pawan Khera accusing Bangladesh of inviting China to encircle India. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma labeled Yunus's comments as 'offensive' and called for alternative routes for Northeast connectivity. Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh criticized Yunus's remarks as framing the Northeast as a 'strategic pawn' to serve Bangladesh's geopolitical ambitions. Yunus's visit to China, coinciding with Bangladesh's independence day, has raised concerns about a shift in Dhaka’s foreign policy away from India towards stronger ties with Beijing. The situation reflects ongoing tensions in India-Bangladesh relations amidst regional strategic recalibrations.