India-Bangladesh relations have significantly weakened since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down. Reports suggest that Bangladesh's interim government head Mohammad Yunus has taken a stance favoring China and Pakistan. In this context, Yunus met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit held in Bangkok. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were also present.
This was the first meeting between Modi and Yunus since Yunus assumed leadership in Bangladesh. The timing of the meeting is crucial, as Bangladesh is reportedly moving closer to China. Yunus’s comments during a recent China visit have stirred anger in India. He stated that India’s northeastern states lack access to the sea and emphasized that the coastal area of the Bay of Bengal belongs to Bangladesh, making it an ideal partner for China’s expansion efforts.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned Yunus’s remarks, stressing that the northeastern states are connected to the rest of India through the Chicken Neck Corridor. He noted that while enhancing rail and road connectivity is challenging due to engineering difficulties, it remains achievable with determination. Sarma warned that Yunus’s comments should not be dismissed lightly, suggesting a deeper agenda behind them.
Modi's meeting with Yunus has drawn considerable attention, given Bangladesh's perceived shift towards China and Pakistan.
