"Guardian of the ocean" or strategic threat? Indian leaders condemn Yunus' Bangladesh-China remarks

Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has ignited a political storm with his controversial remarks inviting China to expand its influence in India's northeastern states. During a recent visit to Beijing, Yunus pitched Bangladesh as the "only guardian of the ocean" for the "landlocked" northeastern region of India, suggesting that China could use this strategic advantage to establish an economic foothold.

His statement has drawn sharp criticism from Indian political leaders across party lines, with many viewing it as a direct challenge to India’s sovereignty and strategic interests. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed Yunus' remarks "offensive and strongly condemnable," emphasizing that they reflect a larger, long-term strategic play. He warned that such narratives reinforce the geopolitical vulnerability of India’s ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor, the narrow Siliguri corridor that connects the Northeast to the rest of the country.

Sarma further called for urgent infrastructure development to counter any potential threats. "Strengthening our railway and road networks underneath and around the Chicken’s Neck corridor is crucial," he said. "Alternative routes bypassing the vulnerable passage must be explored to safeguard national security."

Taking an even more aggressive stance, Tipra Motha Party chief Pradyot Manikya suggested that India should rethink its reliance on Bangladesh for sea access. "Instead of investing billions in complex infrastructure projects, we might as well break up Bangladesh and gain our own access to the sea," he stated. He pointed to the historical claim over Chittagong, arguing that India’s decision to relinquish control of the strategic port in 1947 was "the nation’s biggest mistake."

Congress leader Pawan Khera also condemned Yunus’ remarks, warning of China’s increasing strategic encroachment in the region. He criticized the Modi government for its alleged failure to protect India’s Northeast. "Bangladesh inviting China to encircle India is a dangerous move," Khera said, noting that China has already constructed villages in Arunachal Pradesh while the central government remains "negligent" on issues like the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

Yunus’ comments come at a time of shifting diplomatic dynamics, with Bangladesh appearing to deepen ties with China amid strained relations with India. While India was instrumental in Bangladesh’s liberation in 1971, the latest developments highlight growing tensions in the region, raising serious concerns over national security and strategic planning.