External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar rebuts Muhammad Yunus’s claims about India’s Northeast being landlocked and Bangladesh’s role as a gateway, emphasizing India’s strategic connectivity within BIMSTEC. Jaishankar’s response highlights the vitality of regional cooperation and condemns Yunus’s provocative remarks, which have stirred strong reactions from Indian leaders amid ongoing geopolitical dynamics.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a pointed response to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus following Yunus’s remarks about India’s Northeast being “landlocked” and Bangladesh’s alleged role as its maritime gateway. Jaishankar emphasized India’s vital position within the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), asserting the significance of India’s expansive coastline and its connectivity with fellow BIMSTEC nations.

Jaishankar noted that India’s extensive 6,500-km coastline allows for crucial connections with five BIMSTEC members, which enhance trade and connectivity across the region. He highlighted the Northeast as a developing hub for this initiative, supported by a comprehensive network of infrastructure such as roads, railways, and pipelines that facilitate smoother transportation.

Yunus’s comments were made during his recent visit to China, where he described the Northeast’s lack of maritime access and lauded Bangladesh’s role as its oceanic gateway. Concurrently, he promoted China’s economic interests in Bangladesh, asserting its guardianship of the region’s ocean access. These statements prompted backlash from Indian leaders, including condemnation from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who found them offensive.

Sarma expressed that Yunus’s remarks indicate problematic strategic views and called for an investigation into their implications. He voiced concerns over the “Chicken’s Neck” corridor, which links the Northeast to the rest of India, and advocated for stronger infrastructure to support this sensitive area.

Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh criticized Yunus’s government for treating India’s Northeast as a strategic leverage point, urging careful consideration of comments regarding Indian sovereignty. During his China trip, Yunus also engaged in agreements aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s economic standing, reflecting ongoing geopolitical dynamics.

India historically depends on access to ports in Bangladesh, especially the Chittagong Port, which has facilitated trade logistics. Notably, previous administrations, including that of Sheikh Hasina, enabled India’s access to Chittagong, affirming the importance of bilateral relations in regional trade.

In summary, the exchange between S. Jaishankar and Muhammad Yunus illustrates the heightened tensions and strategic considerations in regional geopolitics. Jaishankar’s defense of India’s connectivity initiatives challenges Yunus’s characterizations of India’s Northeast. Both leaders further their national interests amidst evolving alliances, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding within South Asian geopolitics.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com

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