UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02nd April 2025

Home UPSC Current Affairs Yunus: Bangladesh is China’s Gateway to India’s Landlocked Northeast

Yunus: Bangladesh is China’s Gateway to India’s Landlocked Northeast

Why in News?

Bangladesh’s interim government chief advisor, Professor Muhammad Yunus, highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic role in India’s Northeast connectivity while advocating for closer economic ties with China

Introduction

Bangladesh’s interim government chief advisor, Professor Muhammad Yunus, emphasized Dhaka’s strategic importance for India’s Northeast while advocating for stronger economic ties with China.
During his four-day visit to China (March 26-29, 2025), Yunus stated that Bangladesh is the “only guardian of the ocean” for Northeast India and suggested that the region could serve as an “extension of the Chinese economy.”
His remarks have raised concerns in New Delhi, as India’s engagement with Bangladesh has been crucial for the economic and security dynamics of the Northeast.

Shift in Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy?

Yunus’s statement on Northeast India:
- Described the region as “landlocked” and reliant on Bangladesh for access to the ocean.
- Indicated that the economic future of Northeast India could be linked to China through Bangladesh.
Economic Outreach to China:
- During his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Yunus sought greater Chinese investments to revive Bangladesh’s economy.
- Termed China a “good friend” and projected it as a balancing factor against India.
Upcoming BIMSTEC Summit (April 3-4, 2025):
- Yunus has requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Thailand.
- India’s response is awaited, as the Northeast is a key focus area in India’s BIMSTEC engagement.

India’s Strategic Concerns

Bangladesh’s Leverage on Northeast India
- India’s Northeast has historically depended on the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor in North Bengal, making transit through Bangladesh a key geopolitical factor.
- Over the past decade-and-a-half, India has worked with former PM Sheikh Hasina’s government to facilitate connectivity, including:
  - Inland waterway agreements
  - Rail and road transit projects
  - Energy cooperation
- Yunus’s remarks suggest a potential shift in Dhaka’s policy, leveraging its position as a transit hub for economic and strategic gains.
Deepening Bangladesh-China Ties
- China is a major investor in Bangladesh’s infrastructure projects, including:
  - The Padma Bridge Rail Link Project
  - Development of Chittagong Port
  - Several energy and special economic zone projects
- Bangladesh’s increasing economic dependence on China could reshape regional power dynamics, affecting India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
- China’s influence in South Asia through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) could limit India’s strategic access and economic influence.
Implications for India’s Northeast and Act East Policy
- India’s Act East Policy focuses on linking the Northeast with Southeast Asia through connectivity projects like:
  - Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (via Myanmar)
  - India-Bangladesh cross-border rail links
- A Bangladesh tilt towards China could impact these projects, potentially increasing costs and logistical challenges for India.
- China’s economic influence in Bangladesh could also lead to security concerns, including greater Chinese military presence in the Bay of Bengal.

Way Forward for India

Strengthening Diplomatic Engagement with Bangladesh
- India should engage with Bangladesh’s interim government to reaffirm past agreements and maintain cooperation in connectivity projects.
- Expanding initiatives such as the India-Bangladesh joint economic corridor can reduce Chinese influence.
Enhancing Regional Connectivity Beyond Bangladesh
- Diversifying connectivity routes via:
  - Trilateral Highway (India-Myanmar-Thailand)
  - Deep-sea port collaborations in Myanmar (Sittwe) and Sri Lanka
- Expediting BIMSTEC projects to establish alternative trade corridors.
Economic and Security Partnerships
- Strengthening India’s economic presence in Bangladesh through targeted investments in:
  - Manufacturing and supply chains
  - Renewable energy cooperation
  - Digital infrastructure
- Expanding defense ties with Bangladesh to counter China’s growing military influence in South Asia.