Bangladesh’s Maritime Claim and China’s Growing Influence
Bangladesh’s interim government advisor, Mohammad Yunus, has stirred a geopolitical debate by asserting that Bangladesh is the sole guardian of the sea in its region. His remarks, made during a recent visit to China, have gone viral on social media, sparking concerns in India and beyond. Yunus emphasized that since India’s northeastern states are landlocked, Bangladesh holds maritime superiority and should invite China to invest in regional development projects.
Yunus’ Controversial Statement and Its Implications
While speaking in China, Yunus stated, “India’s seven northeastern states, commonly referred to as the Seven Sisters, are landlocked and do not have direct access to the sea. Therefore, Bangladesh is the true guardian of the ocean in this region.” His comments have raised diplomatic concerns, especially in India, where strategic analysts see this as an attempt to strengthen Bangladesh-China ties at the cost of India’s regional influence.
Sanctions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC) were quick to follow. EAC member Sanjeev Sanyal took to social media platform X, questioning Yunus’ rationale behind involving China based on India’s geography. He pointed out that while Bangladesh is free to welcome foreign investments, Yunus’ justification based on India’s landlocked states is misleading.
China-Bangladesh Cooperation in Water Resource Management
Apart from maritime claims, Yunus also sought Chinese expertise in water management, particularly regarding the Teesta River, which flows through both India and Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi government, through its official news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), confirmed that Yunus proposed a 50-year master plan for Teesta River water management during his visit to China.
China’s experience in large-scale hydrological projects has made it a sought-after partner in such initiatives. Reports indicate that China and Bangladesh have also discussed hydrological information-sharing agreements concerning the Brahmaputra River (known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet). Given that the river originates in China and flows through India before reaching Bangladesh, such cooperation could have broader geopolitical implications.
Maritime Expansion and Chinese Investments in Bangladesh
Further strengthening their partnership, China and Bangladesh have agreed to enhance maritime cooperation, with discussions underway to modernize Mongla Port and expand the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram (Chittagong). China’s role in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development has been growing, particularly in key projects such as highways, bridges, and power plants.
India’s Perspective and Strategic Concerns
India remains watchful of growing China-Bangladesh ties, particularly in the Bay of Bengal region. Given China’s increasing presence in South Asia through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), any major infrastructural or maritime collaboration between Dhaka and Beijing is of strategic importance to New Delhi.
While India and Bangladesh share strong trade and cultural ties, Dhaka’s deepening engagements with China in sensitive areas like water resources and maritime security could lead to diplomatic recalibrations. Analysts argue that India must enhance its own regional cooperation initiatives to maintain strategic stability.
