News Reporter
Himanta Biswa Sarma slams Muhammad Yunus’ claim of Bangladesh being the "guardian" of Northeast India’s ocean access.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly criticized a recent statement by Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, regarding India's northeastern states. Yunus referred to these states as "landlocked" and suggested that Bangladesh acts as their "guardian" for ocean access, a remark Sarma condemned as "offensive and unacceptable."
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sarma emphasized the strategic importance of the "Chicken's Neck" corridor—a narrow stretch of land connecting Northeast India with the rest of the country. He stressed the urgency of strengthening railway and road networks in this region to address potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, Sarma advocated for exploring alternative routes to improve connectivity between the Northeast and mainland India, acknowledging the engineering challenges but underscoring their feasibility with innovation and determination.
Yunus made his comments during a four-day visit to China, where he encouraged Beijing to expand its economic influence in the region. He argued that Northeast India lacks direct ocean access and positioned Bangladesh as a crucial gateway for these states. This statement has raised concerns among Indian policymakers about its potential geopolitical implications, particularly regarding China's growing interest in South Asia.
While the Indian government has not yet issued an official response, Sarma's remarks reflect broader concerns about regional security and the strategic significance of the Northeast. His call for infrastructure development in the "Chicken's Neck" corridor highlights the need for proactive measures to ensure uninterrupted connectivity and safeguard national interests.
As diplomatic discussions continue, the focus remains on reinforcing Northeast India's integration with the mainland while addressing potential external influences that could impact the region's stability.