Bangladeshi Adviser Urges China to ‘Extend’ in Northeast India, Sparks Controversy

Bangladesh’s interim government adviser Muhammad Yunus has stirred controversy by making a veiled reference to India’s northeastern states while appealing to China for regional expansion. During a four-day visit to Beijing, Yunus suggested that China should “extend” in the region, citing that India’s “seven sister states” are landlocked and dependent on Bangladesh for ocean access.

In a video that surfaced on social media following his return to Bangladesh, Yunus is seen advocating for China’s economic presence in the region. “The seven states of India, in the eastern part of India—called the seven sister states—are completely landlocked. They have no way to reach the ocean. We (Bangladesh) are the only guardian of the ocean for the entire region,” Yunus said. He further added, “This opens up a huge possibility for China—this could become an extension of the Chinese economy. Build things, market them, take them back to China, or export to the rest of the world.”

Strong Reactions from India
The remarks drew sharp criticism from Indian analysts and policymakers. Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council, questioned the statement’s implications. Sharing the video on social media platform X, Sanyal wrote, “Interesting that Yunus is making a public appeal to the Chinese on the basis that seven states in India are landlocked. China is welcome to invest in Bangladesh, but what exactly is the significance of seven Indian states being landlocked?”

China’s Growing Influence in Bangladesh
During his visit, Yunus held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and secured agreements on maritime cooperation. China has pledged $400 million for the modernization of Bangladesh’s Mongla Port and an additional $350 million for expanding the China Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram. A further $150 million has been allocated for technical assistance.

Additionally, Yunus urged Beijing to provide a 50-year water management assistance program to Bangladesh. He specifically sought Chinese expertise in managing the Teesta River, a key waterway that Bangladesh shares with India. While Dhaka had earlier sought cooperation with New Delhi, the Yunus-led interim government is now seeking Beijing’s intervention.

Bangladesh and China also signed an agreement on the exchange of hydrological data for the Yarlung Zangbo-Jamuna River, which originates in Tibet and flows through India before entering Bangladesh.