Under Fire, Yunus Talks China And India’s ‘Seven Sisters’ In Exit Speech

Bangladesh’s outgoing Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus sparked diplomatic controversy in his farewell address this week by invoking geopolitical dynamics involving China and India’s ‘Seven Sisters’ states, drawing attention both domestically and abroad amid mounting criticism of his tenure.

In his exit speech delivered on the eve of the swearing‑in of the new prime minister, Yunus referenced the cluster of seven northeastern Indian states — commonly known as the Seven Sisters — in remarks that appeared designed to frame Bangladesh’s strategic position in the region. He described these states as “landlocked” and emphasized Bangladesh’s access to the Bay of Bengal as a gateway for expanded economic engagement, notably with China.

Yunus’s comments reflect ongoing efforts by Dhaka’s interim leadership to attract Chinese investment and deepen ties with Beijing, even as relations with New Delhi have grown strained. During earlier engagements in China, Yunus urged Chinese partners to consider Bangladesh as a central hub for regional trade, suggesting that China could leverage Bangladesh’s geographical advantages to support economic linkages across South Asia.

Also Read: Jamaat-Led Alliance Claims Landslide in Bangladesh 2026 Vote

However, the remarks drew sharp reactions in India, where officials and analysts described them as provocative and diplomatically insensitive. Critics noted that India’s northeastern states already have access to international trade routes through Indian ports and questioned the characterization of Bangladesh as a “guardian of the ocean” for other countries’ territories.

The geopolitical subtext of Yunus’s framing also underscores broader regional tensions. India has underscored the strategic importance of its northeastern states within multilateral frameworks such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi‑Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), countering narratives that could be interpreted as diminishing India’s regional role.

At home, Yunus’s remarks come against a backdrop of sustained domestic criticism over his handling of democratic transition and minority rights, which opponents say overshadowed his tenure as interim chief adviser. By bringing international strategic issues into his exit speech, Yunus appeared to seek a narrative shift, even as commentators in both Dhaka and New Delhi evaluated the implications for Bangladesh‑India relations going forward.

Also Read: Sheikh Hasina Calls for Immediate Cancellation of Bangladesh's Unconstitutional Election