India (Commonwealth Union)_ In a move that has triggered significant political controversy, Muhammad Yunus, the current chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, included India’s seven northeastern states in his strategic discussions with China. During his recent four-day visit to Beijing, Yunus made a contentious pitch to Chinese President Xi Jinping, urging China to expand its economic influence by leveraging Bangladesh as a gateway to India’s landlocked northeastern region. The remarks have sparked a heated debate, particularly as relations between India and Bangladesh have soured since 2024.
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Yunus’s controversial proposal in Beijing
Yunus, during his visit to China in March, highlighted India’s seven northeastern states, often referred to as the “Seven Sisters” (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura), as a potential opportunity for China to expand its economic presence. He stated, “These states are landlocked and have no access to the ocean, opening up huge possibilities for China to extend its economic footprint.” He further emphasized the strategic importance of Bangladesh, claiming that the country could serve as the gateway for China to access these states, thus facilitating trade and investment.
The Bangladesh leader’s comments came during a high-level roundtable discussion in Beijing, where Yunus elaborated on his vision for enhanced economic cooperation in the region. He extended his remarks to include Nepal and Bhutan, stating that their abundant hydropower resources could be utilized in collaboration with Bangladesh to fuel China’s economic ambitions. “From Bangladesh, you can go anywhere you want. The ocean is our backyard,” Yunus added, underscoring his proposal to turn the region into a hub for Chinese production and export.
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The significance of the vulnerable Siliguri Corridor – Chicken’s Neck
Yunus’s pitch comes at a time when the strategic significance of the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck,” is a subject of growing concern for India. The corridor is a narrow land bridge connecting India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country. It is approximately 20 kilometers wide at its narrowest point and is flanked by Nepal and Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh to the south. The region is critical to India’s security and economic connectivity, as any disruption in the corridor could isolate the northeastern states from the rest of India.
India has long been aware of the vulnerabilities posed by the Chicken’s Neck, especially considering China’s growing influence in the region. Historically, the 1962 Sino-Indian War highlighted the potential threat posed by this narrow stretch of land, and in recent years, there has been increasing concern over China’s expansionist policies near the Indian border. Defence experts warn that any military action aimed at blocking the Siliguri Corridor could cut off India’s vital supply routes to the northeast.
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Strategic consequences of Yunus’s remarks
Yunus’s suggestion that China could invest in Bangladesh to gain access to India’s landlocked northeastern states raises alarm bells in New Delhi. The proximity of Bangladesh to India’s northeast, coupled with the strategic location of the Siliguri Corridor, makes any external influence in Bangladesh a matter of national security concern for India. Bangladesh’s growing ties with China, including increased trade and infrastructure projects under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have already been a point of contention between the two South Asian neighbors. India has historically viewed Bangladesh as a crucial strategic partner, particularly given the sensitive geography of the northeastern states. Yunus’s comments appear to deepen these concerns, as they suggest a potential shift in Bangladesh’s alignment toward China, which could undermine India’s influence in the region.
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Reactions to Yunus’s comments
The political fallout from Yunus’s comments has been swift and severe. Indian leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, have voiced strong opposition, urging for the development of better infrastructure to connect the northeastern states with the rest of India. Sarma emphasized the importance of strengthening India’s connectivity to the region, stating that Yunus’s remarks underline the vulnerabilities posed by the Siliguri Corridor. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera also condemned Yunus’s pitch, accusing Bangladesh of attempting to surround India through its engagement with China. “Bangladesh’s recent approach is dangerous for the security of our northeast,” Khera remarked, adding that the situation reflected a larger failure of India’s foreign policy under the current government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had recently extended greetings to Bangladesh on its National Day, had emphasized the need for bilateral cooperation based on mutual respect. However, Yunus’s statements appear to run counter to these efforts, further straining the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
India’s safety initiatives to protect the Chicken’s Neck
India has long recognized the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor, and the recent developments have prompted the Indian government to reassess its security measures. Defence analysts have raised concerns that any potential threat to the Chicken’s Neck could isolate the northeastern states, which rely heavily on the corridor for essential goods and services. In response to these concerns, the Indian government has begun investing in infrastructure projects to ensure better connectivity. The Indian Railways is planning to expand railway lines through the Chicken’s Neck, with the addition of four new tracks to improve the flow of goods to the region. Additionally, the Indian government is also exploring the construction of a multimodal transportation corridor, including high-speed rail and underground tunnels, to further enhance connectivity. Furthermore, the Indian military has ramped up its presence in the region, with the Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) all deployed to safeguard the corridor. Former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande has described the corridor as sensitive and a critical national security priority.
Diplomatic and security concerns for India
The growing influence of China in Bangladesh and the rhetoric surrounding Yunus’s recent statements represent a challenge to India’s regional security framework. The Indian government has repeatedly expressed concern over China’s expansionist tendencies in South Asia, especially in countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Nepal. India views Bangladesh as a key ally, and any attempt by Bangladesh to align more closely with China could destabilize the region. As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, it is clear that India will need to reinforce its strategic posture in the northeast and consider all possible avenues to safeguard its interests. With the Siliguri Corridor serving as a crucial lifeline to the region, India’s efforts to fortify its position will likely intensify in the coming months. Additionally, Yunus’s remarks about Bangladesh’s role as a gateway to India’s landlocked northeastern states have sparked not only a significant diplomatic row but also a threat for national security, raising concerns about China’s growing influence in the region. As tensions escalate, India’s response will be critical in determining the future of its relationships with both Bangladesh and China. The geopolitical dynamics of the region are shifting, and India must act decisively to protect its strategic interests and maintain its influence in South Asia.
