IMPHAL, March 31: Bangladesh’s interim government chief Muhammad Yunus has triggered a geopolitical debate by highlighting India’s “landlocked” Northeast in his push for deeper Chinese economic engagement. During his four-day visit to China, Yunus urged Beijing to integrate Bangladesh’s ocean-facing regions into its economic framework, positioning the country as China’s key partner for production, logistics, and trade.

“Seven states of eastern India—the seven sisters—are landlocked. They have no way to reach the ocean. We are the only guardian of the ocean,” Yunus was quoted as saying in the international press. His remarks have drawn criticism, with many questioning why India’s internal geography was used to justify stronger Sino-Bangladesh ties.

Reacting strongly to Yunus’ remarks, Indian defence expert Dhruv Katoch dismissed the claim, stating that India does not depend on Bangladesh for access to the ocean and that connectivity issues concerning the Northeast are managed effectively by the Indian government. “He had no business to mention India in this context. Our connectivity to the ocean is our own concern, and we are handling it efficiently. The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project is also nearing completion, further enhancing our access,” Katoch asserted.

Katoch also suggested that Yunus’ comments, made during his visit to China, were an attempt to send a strategic message to both India and China. He pointed out that Bangladesh might be positioning itself as a key corridor for China’s influence in the region, offering connectivity to Nepal and Bhutan through India’s northeastern states. “Bringing India into this conversation is both unnecessary and provocative. Is he subtly hinting at cutting off India’s northeast? India is too big a country to be threatened by such statements, and Bangladesh remains strategically irrelevant in this context,” he added.

The remarks coincided with Bangladesh signing nine agreements with China, covering infrastructure, economic cooperation, media, culture, and health. Notably, Dhaka welcomed Chinese participation in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project—previously discussed with India under the Hasina government—and the Mongla Port modernisation initiative.

Yunus also sought Chinese assistance in water management, calling China the “master of water management” and requesting a 50-year strategic plan. President Xi Jinping reciprocated Bangladesh’s outreach, describing it as a “trustworthy neighbour” while extending zero-tariff access to Bangladeshi goods until 2028 and proposing talks on a Free Trade and Investment Agreement.

With India’s Northeast being a strategically sensitive region, New Delhi is closely monitoring these developments, wary of Beijing’s expanding footprint in its immediate neighbourhood. Amid these tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the upcoming BIMSTEC summit, a meeting reportedly requested by the Bangladeshi leader.