Bangladesh’s interim Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, has sparked controversy with his remarks on India’s Northeast. Speaking in China, Yunus described the region as "landlocked" and Bangladesh as its "guardian of the ocean," suggesting potential Chinese economic expansion. The statement has triggered sharp reactions across India.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma denounced the comments as "offensive" and called for enhanced connectivity between the Northeast and the rest of India, advocating stronger road and rail networks to reduce dependence on the strategic “Chicken’s Neck” corridor.

Tipra Motha leader Pradyot Manikya took a more aggressive stance, calling for a reconsideration of historical territorial arrangements. He argued that indigenous tribes in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts historically sought integration with India and suggested leveraging their plight for strategic gains.

Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized Bangladesh’s outreach to China, warning of security risks to India’s Northeast. He accused the central government of neglecting threats from China, citing reports of Chinese settlements in Arunachal Pradesh.

Sanjeev Sanyal, an economic advisor to Prime Minister Modi, questioned Yunus' motives, pointing out that China’s investments in Bangladesh do not justify remarks about India’s Northeast. Former Indian diplomat Veena Sikri also condemned the statement, reaffirming formal agreements between India and Bangladesh ensuring access to the Bay of Bengal for the Northeast.

These remarks come amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and growing Dhaka-Beijing ties. India, which has provided refuge to Hasina, has expressed concerns over recent attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. As tensions rise, calls for strengthening India’s connectivity and regional influence have intensified.

Bangladesh’s interim Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, has sparked controversy with his remarks on India’s Northeast. Speaking in China, Yunus described the region as "landlocked" and Bangladesh as its "guardian of the ocean," suggesting potential Chinese economic expansion. The statement has triggered sharp reactions across India.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma denounced the comments as "offensive" and called for enhanced connectivity between the Northeast and the rest of India, advocating stronger road and rail networks to reduce dependence on the strategic “Chicken’s Neck” corridor.

Tipra Motha leader Pradyot Manikya took a more aggressive stance, calling for a reconsideration of historical territorial arrangements. He argued that indigenous tribes in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts historically sought integration with India and suggested leveraging their plight for strategic gains.

Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized Bangladesh’s outreach to China, warning of security risks to India’s Northeast. He accused the central government of neglecting threats from China, citing reports of Chinese settlements in Arunachal Pradesh.

Sanjeev Sanyal, an economic advisor to Prime Minister Modi, questioned Yunus' motives, pointing out that China’s investments in Bangladesh do not justify remarks about India’s Northeast. Former Indian diplomat Veena Sikri also condemned the statement, reaffirming formal agreements between India and Bangladesh ensuring access to the Bay of Bengal for the Northeast.

These remarks come amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and growing Dhaka-Beijing ties. India, which has provided refuge to Hasina, has expressed concerns over recent attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. As tensions rise, calls for strengthening India’s connectivity and regional influence have intensified.