​Timing and location: On Bangladesh Chief Adviser’s remarks and China visit  

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s remarks, made during his China visit to attend the Boao Forum for Asia conference, have sparked sharp responses in India, amid questions about their underlying intent. Speaking at a round table, Mr. Yunus highlighted the lack of connectivity and trade in the region, referring to the north-eastern Indian States — the “Seven Sisters” — as a “land-locked” area. Ignoring India’s vast coastline, he went on to claim that Bangladesh was the “guardian of ocean access” and called on China to view the Indian States, along with Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, as an “extension of the Chinese economy”, presenting them as a market and a production base. There were other undertones to his remarks, which were shared on his social media accounts. This was his first visit to China since taking office following the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last August. Tensions with India have persisted over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and the Yunus government’s demands for the repatriation of Ms. Hasina from India.

With no invitation forthcoming from New Delhi, Mr. Yunus’s decision to visit China has been perceived as a diplomatic snub — and possibly a sign that Bangladesh may be shifting its foreign policy orientation. While the Ministry of External Affairs has declined to comment, political leaders have weighed in. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the comments “offensive and strongly condemnable”, suggesting that the remarks were aimed at highlighting India’s strategic vulnerability via the “Chicken’s Neck”. Other regional leaders and members of the Opposition have urged the central government to convey its displeasure to Dhaka. Mr. Yunus could not have been unaware that the timing and the location of his speech would provoke controversy. His remarks reflected a lack of sensitivity toward how the countries mentioned might interpret statements that appear to support China’s economic hegemony in the region. While these comments may have been intended to appeal to his hosts or may have stemmed from his advocacy for regional connectivity, their substance could have been more carefully considered. A more suitable platform for such discussions might have been the upcoming BIMSTEC summit in Thailand, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders from South Asia to Southeast Asia will be present. Equally significant is that Mr. Yunus received two letters from India this week: one from President Droupadi Murmu extending Eid-ul-Fitr greetings, and another from Mr. Modi on the anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence Day. Although there has been no formal announcement of a Modi-Yunus meet in Bangkok, it is hoped that both sides will engage on the sidelines to mend the strain in ties and explore a more constructive path.