Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus urged China to expand its economic influence into Bangladesh, referencing the landlocked northeastern Indian states as an opportunity. His remarks during a visit to China coincided with the signing of nine agreements promising significant investment. Yunus emphasized the importance of viewing China as a friend and balancing regional relationships, prompting a response from Indian officials.

During his recent visit to China, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh encouraged the Chinese government to expand its economic engagement in Bangladesh. He controversially noted the opportunity presented by India’s northeastern states, emphasizing their landlocked status as a potential advantage for Chinese investment. Yunus made these remarks while signing nine agreements and meeting with President Xi Jinping over the four-day visit, which concluded on March 26.

Yunus mentioned that the northeastern region of India, referred to as the ‘seven sisters,’ lacks direct access to the ocean, presenting Bangladesh as a strategic partner. He articulated, “The seven states of India, the eastern part of India, are called the seven sisters. They are a landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean.” He regarded Bangladesh as the “only guardian of the ocean” in South Asia, suggesting this relationship could extend China’s economic reach.

In response to Yunus’ comments, Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic advisory council, expressed doubts via social media. Sanyal questioned Yunus’s rationale for connecting Chinese investment to the landlocked status of the seven Indian states, asserting, “Interesting that Yunus is making a public appeal to the Chinese on the basis that 7 states in India are land-locked.”

Yunus also emphasized the importance of fostering a close relationship with China, noting that such ties would serve as a counterbalance to India. He stated, “It’s very important that we see China as our good friend thereafter expecting bilateral relations to enter a new stage.” He conveyed these thoughts during an interview with the state-run Xinhua news agency.

During his visit, Yunus attended the Boao Forum for Asia conference and subsequently received an honorary doctorate from Peking University. The agreements signed between China and Bangladesh notably included a USD 2.1 billion investment commitment. Additionally, Yunus invited Chinese companies to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, highlighting the potential for more collaborative undertakings.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s call for Chinese economic expansion into Bangladesh, juxtaposed with remarks about the landlocked status of India’s northeastern states, has sparked dialogue on international investment strategies in the region. His emphasis on nurturing a strong relationship with China as a counterbalance to India, along with the signing of multiple agreements, heralds a potential shift in regional dynamics. The agreements symbolize a substantial commitment from China towards Bangladesh’s development, promising both economic growth and cooperative projects.

Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com

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