Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, controversially suggested that China’s economic influence should extend to Bangladesh, leveraging the landlocked status of India’s northeastern states during a recent visit to China. His comments have drawn criticism from Indian officials who reaffirmed the indelible ties of those states to India. The visit included significant economic agreements between Bangladesh and China, indicating potential shifts in regional economic dynamics.

In a recent statement, Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, called for China to enhance its economic activities in the region, suggesting that India’s northeastern states, being landlocked, present a unique opportunity. This remark, made during his recent four-day visit to China, raised concerns and prompted discussions on social media. Yunus highlighted the seven northeastern states, collectively known as the “seven sisters,” noting their geographical disadvantage as they lack direct access to the ocean.

The seven northeastern states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, along with Sikkim, are often referred to as the “eighth state.” During this visit, Yunus referred to Bangladesh as the “only guardian of the ocean” within the region and underscored the potential for economic expansion through enhanced Chinese influence in his nation.

Sanjeev Sanyal, an economic advisor to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticized Yunus’s comments, questioning the relevance of his mention of India’s northeastern states. He emphasized the welcoming stance towards Chinese investment in Bangladesh but expressed confusion over the implications of Yunus’s statements regarding India’s landlocked regions.

Upon returning from China, Yunus emphasized the importance of fostering a friendly relationship with Beijing, viewing the partnership as a means to balance relations with New Delhi. Yunus is optimistic about entering a new phase of bilateral relations as stated in an interview with the Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency.

During his visit, Yunus attended the Boao Forum for Asia and received an honorary doctorate from Peking University, where he also gave a lecture. Furthermore, the visit culminated in the signing of nine agreements with President Xi Jinping, which included commitments from China amounting to USD 2.1 billion in various investments and loans.

In summary, Muhammad Yunus’s remarks about India’s northeastern states during his visit to China have sparked significant controversy, especially regarding Bangladesh’s strategic economic partnerships. His characterization of Bangladesh and the invitation to China for investment may shift regional dynamics, while former Indian officials have reacted strongly to his comments, asserting India’s territorial integrity. As Bangladesh and China strengthen ties, the implications for India’s northeastern states and regional relations remain to be seen.

Original Source: english.jagran.com

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