Himanta Biswa Sarma Rebuts Bangladesh’s Yunus Comment of ‘Guardian of Ocean Access’ on Northeast India

Assam CM Criticizes Statement as “Offensive and Misleading”

Guwahati, March 31, 2025 – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly objected. The objection is to a recent remark by Muhammad Yunus. Yunus is the Chief Advisor to Bangladesh’s Interim Government. Sarma called the remark both inappropriate and unacceptable. During his visit to Beijing, Yunus described India’s Northeastern states as landlocked. He claimed that Bangladesh acts as their “guardian of ocean access.”

Sarma’s Strong Rebuttal

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sarma rejected Yunus’ assertion, labeling it a strategic misrepresentation with serious implications. He emphasized the significance of India’s “Chicken’s Neck” corridor. This is the narrow strip of land in West Bengal linking the Northeast to the rest of the country. He warned that such statements feed into a historical narrative aimed at marginalizing the region.

The Assam CM urged policymakers to treat these remarks with caution. Sarma called for urgent steps to enhance infrastructure connectivity, particularly in the Siliguri Corridor. He advocated for alternative transport routes that bypass vulnerable areas. He acknowledged the engineering challenges involved. However, he stressed the long-term strategic necessity.

The Controversy Behind Yunus’ Statement

Yunus’ remarks were made during his March 27–29 visit to Beijing. They framed Bangladesh as a critical intermediary for maritime access to India’s Northeast. He suggested that the region’s economic and logistical connectivity depends on Dhaka. The statement sparked sharp reactions in India. This is particularly due to the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the Northeast. The region shares over 5,400 km of borders with China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal.

Strategic Concerns and India’s Response

Sarma underscored the need for India to strengthen its transportation and defense infrastructure in the region. He called for significant investments in road and rail networks. He also suggested exploring underground and alternative transit routes. These measures aim to reduce dependency on the Chicken’s Neck corridor.

His comments reflect a broader concern over Bangladesh’s growing engagement with China, particularly in the realms of trade and defense. Dhaka is deepening its ties with Beijing. Indian policymakers remain cautious of the potential strategic consequences. This includes increased foreign influence in the sensitive Northeastern region.

Rising Geopolitical Tensions

Yunus’ remarks come at a time of shifting regional dynamics, with China-Bangladesh cooperation on the rise. India has been closely monitoring these developments, wary of how they may impact its security posture. Sarma’s call for rapid infrastructure expansion shows India’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity. It also strengthens the Northeast’s connectivity with the mainland.