Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisors of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, met on the occasion of the Bimstec summit in Bangkok today. External Affairs Minister’s Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Dawal were also present.
This is the first meeting between the two leaders as the Nobel laureate Yunus took over Bangladesh after the expulsion of the Sheikh Hasina government in August last year. The meeting is important watching a development of Delhi closely, amidst the increasing proximity of Dhaka with Beijing.
Relations between Delhi and Dhaka have taken a frost after overthrowing the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina after taking over as a nationwide movement and an interim government. The former Prime Minister fled to India. In the months after the change of guards, India expressed concern over the reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. Dhaka has insisted that “Bangladesh’s minority is a issue of Bangladesh”.
Shri Yunus’s recent comments on the northeastern states in India stopped tension between the two countries and gave strong reactions from the leaders of the region. A video of Mr. Yumns’ comment, which was clearly performed during his four -day visit to China, shows it, “Seven states of India, the eastern part of India, are called seven sisters. They are a landlock region of India. They have no way to reach the sea.” He says that Bangladesh is a “patron of the ocean” for the region. “This opens a big possibility. It can be an expansion to the Chinese economy,” he said.
Reacting to the comment, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that what Bangladesh had said was “aggressive”. He emphasized the need to develop more strong rail and road network connecting the north -east to the rest of the country.
“The statement made by Bangladesh MD Younis referred to the interim government as a landlock to seven sisters of north -east India and referred to Bangladesh as the patron of his ocean access, aggressively and strongly condemnable. This comment reflects the constant vulnerability tale associated with the neck of the strategic ‘chicken.” Chicken’s neck corridor is a section of land in Siliguri in West Bengal which connects the region to the rest of India. Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan surround this stretch.
“Historically, even internal elements within India have dangerously suggested to separate this important route to separate the Northeast from the mainland. Therefore, it is mandatory to develop more strong railway and road networks below and around the corridor of the chicken’s neck. In addition, searching for alternative roadways connects the north -the -land.
He said, “Although it can withstand important engineering challenges, it is obtained with determination and innovation. Such stimulating statements should not be taken lightly by MD UNIS, as they reflect deep strategic ideas and long agenda,” he said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi wrote to Mr. Yunus on 26 March, wished Bangladesh on his Independence Day. In his letter, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of mutual sensitivity and said that the Bangladesh Liberation War is a “common history” between the two countries. He wrote, “We are committed to advancing this partnership, which is inspired by our common aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity, and is based on mutual sensitivity to each other’s interests and concerns.”