Bangladesh’s chief adviser of the interim government Muhammad Yunus during his recent tour of China made some unexpected remarks about northeastern India’s landlocked situation. He invited China to expand its influence in the region by factoring Bangladesh’s role as the only gateway to the Indian Ocean. These remarks have much strategic significance and have alerted the leaders of states in the northeastern region as well as geopolitical observers. Since Sheikh Hasina’s overthrow in August last year, elements close to Bangladesh’s interim government have made provocative statements which, while lacking immediate impact, significantly strain bilateral relations with India.

India’s northeastern region—the “Seven Sisters” states — represents a strategically vital yet vulnerable frontier. Its complex geography, ethnic diversity, and international borders with China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Bhutan create unique security challenges with deep historical roots. Following the 1947 partition, this region became largely isolated from rest of India and is connected only by the narrow “Chicken’s Neck” (Siliguri Corridor) — a geographical constraint with profound security implications.

Link: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/muhammad-yunus-china-northeast-undermine-dhaka-9920836/