Gaurav Gupta
Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, has ignited a major geopolitical storm by referring to India’s northeastern states as “landlocked” and suggesting that Bangladesh could act as their “guardian of ocean access.” This reckless statement, made during his visit to China, is not just misleading but a clear attempt to invite Beijing’s expansionist ambitions into India’s backyard. By aligning with China and hinting at controlling India’s access to the Bay of Bengal, Yunus has openly challenged India’s strategic interests, demanding an assertive response.
Yunus’s claim that India’s northeast has “no way to reach out to the ocean” is a blatant distortion of facts. India has already developed multiple connectivity projects, including the Arunachal Frontier Highway, key railway links, and inland waterways. Ports in Kolkata and Haldia serve as vital gateways for the region, ensuring seamless trade and transit. His statements seem to be a calculated move to encourage Chinese investment in Bangladesh while positioning his country as a conduit for China’s economic and strategic expansion in South Asia. This poses a direct threat to India’s sovereignty, especially given China’s increasing military presence near Arunachal Pradesh and its history of border aggression.
Perhaps Bangladesh has forgotten that it is surrounded on three sides by India-West Bengal to the west, Meghalaya, Assam, and Tripura to the north, and Mizoram and Tripura to the east. Without India’s cooperation, Bangladesh’s economy and security could face serious challenges.
A key concern is the security of India’s Siliguri Corridor, the narrow “Chicken’s Neck” that connects the northeast to the rest of the country. Any disruption here could have catastrophic consequences for India’s territorial integrity. However, there is an alternative-the Chittagong-Tripura Corridor, which, if secured, would provide India’s northeastern states with direct access to the sea, bypassing Bangladesh’s leverage over the region. This corridor must now become a national priority.
Historically, the Chittagong region and its hill tracts have been home to indigenous communities such as the Chakma, Tripuri, Garo, and Khasi, who have faced decades of marginalization under Bangladeshi rule. Many of these communities have long expressed their desire to be part of India, a sentiment ignored since 1947. If Bangladesh continues to act against India’s interests, New Delhi must seriously consider supporting these indigenous groups and reclaiming territories that should have been part of India from the beginning. A decisive step in this direction would not only protect India’s northeastern states but also undo a historical mistake.
Bangladesh’s growing tilt toward China leaves India with no choice but to rethink its regional strategy. If necessary, India must be prepared to split Bangladesh into two parts-one aligned with India and another left to deal with its self-created problems. This will permanently neutralize any security risks emanating from the region and secure India’s northeastern borders.
India must respond with immediate countermeasures. First, it must fast-track the Chittagong-Tripura Corridor to eliminate dependency on the Siliguri Corridor. Second, it must enhance security and infrastructure in the northeast. Third, India must actively support the indigenous communities in Bangladesh who have long sought integration with India. Fourth, it must send a strong diplomatic message that any anti-India actions will come with consequences. Lastly, India must counter China’s growing presence in South Asia through strategic investments, military preparedness, and a robust foreign policy.
Yunus’s irresponsible remarks have exposed Bangladesh’s shifting loyalties. India cannot afford to take this provocation lightly. Bangladesh must now choose whether it wants to remain a trustworthy neighbor or face the consequences of becoming a Chinese pawn. If it chooses the latter, India must be ready to take decisive action to secure its national interests and reshape the region’s geopolitical landscape once and for all.
(The author is BJP Spokesperson J&K, Geopolitical Expert)
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