Friday 04 / April / 2025
New Delhi: Dr. Muhammad Yunus, serving as the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, made controversial remarks during his four-day visit to China from March 26 to 29, 2025. He referred to India's northeastern states, known as the "Seven Sisters," as "landlocked" and emphasized that Bangladesh is the "guardian of the ocean" for this region. Yunus stated, "Seven states of India, eastern part of India, called seven sisters... they are landlocked country, landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We are the only guardian of the ocean for all this region. So this opens up a huge possibility. So this could be an extension of the Chinese economy. Build things, produce things, market things, bring things to China, bring it out to the whole rest of the world."
Yunus suggested that this geographical reality opens up opportunities for Bangladesh to act as a strategic gateway, even proposing that it could become an extension of the Chinese economy.
These remarks were made during high-level discussions in Beijing, where Yunus met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He advocated for Chinese investments in Bangladesh's infrastructure, including the modernization of the Mongla Port and the development of industrial zones.
Yunus also proposed a 50-year master plan for river water management, including the Teesta River, which is co-shared by India and Bangladesh. Under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, the government had previously prioritized collaboration with New Delhi. However, Yunus's administration seems to be redirecting its focus towards Beijing.
Yunus's comment about India's northeastern states being "landlocked" and positioning Bangladesh as their "guardian" has been met with strong backlash, as it tried to undermine India's sovereignty and suggests an unacceptable dependency. Criticized for its undiplomatic tone, the remark, made during his visit to China, ignored India's strategic infrastructure and risked straining regional ties. Such provocative statements disrupt South Asia's diplomatic balance, illustrating how influential figures' words can deeply impact geopolitics.
Yunus' statement not only undermines India's territorial integrity but also invites geopolitical concerns, as it positions Bangladesh as a potential intermediary for Chinese influence in the region, and is an attempt to align with Beijing’s strategic narrative. By emphasizing Bangladesh's role in regional connectivity, Yunus appeared to play to the Chinese gallery, potentially seeking favor or support from Beijing.
The fact is that the influence of the Bangladesh Navy in the Bay of Bengal continues to be closely connected to the strategic interactions and influence of larger powers in the area.
One notable aspect of its development is its collaboration with India through joint naval exercises such as the Bongosagar series and Coordinated Patrols (CORPAT).
The recently conducted Bongosagar 2025 exercise (March 10-12, 2025) included surface firing drills, tactical maneuvers, and humanitarian assistance scenarios, showcasing the Navy's commitment to regional security. Similarly Bangladesh Navy depends significantly on China for its modernization, acquiring submarines, advanced equipment and infrastructure support for the Pekua base, under the "Forces Goal 2030" initiative.
Rather India plays a pivotal role in the Bay of Bengal as its guardian, particularly due to its naval presence and control over key maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca. India's naval fleet, strategically positioned in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, provides it with a commanding presence near the Strait of Malacca.
These islands serve as a forward base for India's naval operations, enabling the monitoring and potential control of maritime traffic in the region. In the event of a conflict or crisis, India's naval capabilities could effectively disrupt or block the flow of goods and energy supplies through the strait, giving it a significant strategic advantage.
India's role as a guardian of the Bay of Bengal is further reinforced by its efforts to strengthen maritime security through collaborations with regional and global partners. Initiatives like the Quad (comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia) and joint naval exercises demonstrate India's commitment to maintaining stability and freedom of navigation in the region.
Additionally, India's Act East policy emphasizes the development of infrastructure and partnerships in the Bay of Bengal, enhancing its influence and ensuring the security of this vital maritime domain.
India's maritime power extends far beyond its immediate region. In the Red Sea and other piracy-prone areas, the Indian Navy has been actively involved in counter-piracy operations. For instance, under initiatives like Operation Sankalp, Indian naval forces have deployed ships and personnel to protect vital sea lanes and ensure the safety of international shipping. Beyond security, India's naval fleet has played a significant role in humanitarian missions worldwide. Indian ships have been involved in relief operations across continents, from Africa to Southeast Asia. A recent example is Operation Brahma, where Indian Navy ships like INS Satpura and INS Savitri delivered hundreds of tons of relief materials to earthquake-hit Myanmar.
India's proactive efforts in maritime security and humanitarian aid exemplify its role as a dependable and responsible maritime power, truly deserving of the title "guardian of the sea," rather than merely claiming to be so.
In a widely circulated video, Dr. Muhammad Yunus is seen advocating for China to establish a strategic base in Bangladesh, a move that many interpret as a direct challenge to India's geopolitical position. He remarked, "This opens up a huge possibility for China—this could become an extension of the Chinese economy. Build things, market them, take them back to China, or export to the rest of the world." These comments have sparked significant debate.
Yunus' overtures to China are likely driven by a desperation to secure financial and infrastructural support. However, China's track record in assisting nations like Sri Lanka and the Maldives raises questions about the effectiveness and intentions behind its involvement.
In Sri Lanka, China's financial assistance has often been criticized as contributing to the country's debt crisis. While China has invested heavily in infrastructure projects, such as the Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City, these ventures have led to significant debt burdens for Sri Lanka, forcing the country to lease strategic assets to Chinese companies. This has sparked concerns about China's "debt-trap diplomacy," where financial aid comes with strings attached, compromising the sovereignty of recipient nations.
Similarly, in the Maldives, China's influence has grown through infrastructure investments and loans under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, these projects have not always translated into tangible benefits for the Maldivian economy. The Maldives has faced challenges in managing its debt obligations, and China's involvement has been viewed with suspicion, particularly in the context of its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean.
The caretaker leader appears to be strategically aligning with China, possibly as a counterweight to India amidst strained bilateral relations. And yet Muhammad Yunus' efforts to secure a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BIMSTEC Summit have drawn significant attention. The Bangladeshi delegation has reportedly made a formal request for the meeting, emphasizing its importance for bilateral ties. However, Indian officials have remained non-committal. Against the backdrop of recent diplomatic tensions, the prospect of a meeting with PM Modi appears to be an attempt by Yunus to recalibrate relations, and perhaps mitigate the fallout from his earlier statements.
This incident underscores the importance of diplomatic sensitivity in regional geopolitics, as statements like these can have far-reaching implications for bilateral relations and regional stability.
