Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reacted to recent remarks made by Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus regarding India’s northeastern region, calling the Seven Sisters an “inseparable part” of the BIMSTEC alliance. The comments came just ahead of the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, as reported by The Times of India.
Before departing for the summit in Thailand, Modi emphasized the strategic and integral role of the northeastern states, commonly known as the Seven Sisters, within the Bay of Bengal regional forum. His statement is seen as a firm counter to Dr. Yunus’s earlier speech during his visit to China, where he stated that the Seven Sisters are “completely landlocked” and that Bangladesh is the “only maritime guardian” and “gateway” for the region.
Dr. Yunus’ remarks sparked strong reactions across Indian political and diplomatic circles. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the statement, asserting that India possesses the longest coastline along the Bay of Bengal and that such comments are misleading.
In response to the backlash, the Chief Adviser’s office clarified that Dr. Yunus’s comments were misrepresented and taken out of context.
The diplomatic tension added weight to the Yunus-Modi sideline meeting at the BIMSTEC Summit on Friday, their first since Dr. Yunus assumed the role of Chief Adviser in Bangladesh’s interim government. The leaders were also seen seated together at a dinner hosted by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin the previous evening.
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) comprises seven member states from South and Southeast Asia. Following the Bangkok summit, Bangladesh is set to assume the chairmanship of the regional bloc.
LND/BG
