Yunus targets India in farewell address, raises ‘Seven Sisters’ issue

Dhaka (The Uttam Hindu): In his farewell address to the nation, Bangladesh's interim government chief Muhammad Yunus highlighted the achievements of his 18-month tenure. He also delivered a strategic message by referring to India's northeastern region without naming it.

In his speech, Yunus referred to India's northeastern states as the "Seven Sisters" and described Bangladesh as a potential hub for regional connectivity. Analysts believe that the reference to the "Seven Sisters," while not directly naming India, may be part of a deliberate diplomatic gesture.

"Our open seas are not just a geographical boundary, but a gateway to the global economy. This region, along with Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters, holds immense economic potential. We have made progress in signing agreements with major management companies to bring our ports' capabilities to international standards. If we don't increase efficiency, we could fall behind economically," Yunus said.

The "Seven Sisters" refer to India's seven northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. These states are geographically connected to mainland India through the Siliguri Corridor (also known as the "Chicken's Neck"). Their remoteness from the sea poses challenges for trade and transportation.

Yunus has previously mentioned these states in the context of regional economic cooperation, particularly potential development plans with China. He has also described Bangladesh as the "guardian" of maritime access for these states, highlighting their role in regional trade.

In his address, Yunus claimed that during his 18-month tenure, the three main pillars of Bangladesh's foreign policy—sovereignty, national interest, and dignity—have been strengthened. He said that Bangladesh is no longer a nation dependent on the dictates of other countries, but has become a nation capable and confident of protecting its own interests.

During Yunus's tenure, relations between New Delhi and Dhaka deteriorated. India has expressed concern over attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. Political differences also impacted bilateral trade, hampering the process of removing tariff barriers. Overall, Yunus's reference to the "Seven Sisters" is seen as an important signal in the context of regional geopolitics and connectivity, which will continue to be closely monitored.