Congress Leader Reacts Strongly to Controversial Statement by Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus
Guwahati, April 1 – Senior Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has sharply criticised Bangladesh after a controversial remark by its Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, accusing the Indian government of allowing foreign policy to "weaken" to the point where even historically allied nations are turning away.Gogoi, who serves as the Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, expressed concern over Yunus's recent comments that described Bangladesh as the "only guardian of the ocean" in the region. Yunus made the statement during a four-day visit to China, suggesting that Bangladesh's geographical advantage could benefit China economically, especially with India's northeastern states being landlocked.
Gogoi Questions India's Diplomatic Strength
In a post on X, Gogoi, the MP from Assam's Jorhat constituency, wrote:He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently written to Bangladesh on its National Day, highlighting the "strong ties" between the two countries. However, Yunus's remarks contradicted that sentiment."It is unfortunate that India's foreign policy has weakened to the point where even a nation whose independence India actively supported is now leaning toward strategic opposition."
"Muhammad Yunus's recent remarks about Northeast India and China are deeply concerning and unacceptable, as they undermine India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Gogoi stated.
Yunus's Remarks Spark Outrage in Northeast India
A video of Muhammad Yunus's comments surfaced on social media on Monday, in which he said:The comment has sparked widespread backlash from leaders across India's northeastern region."The seven states of India, the eastern part of India, are called the seven sisters. They are a landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean."
Himanta Biswa Sarma Calls Statement "Offensive and Provocative"
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma strongly condemned Yunus's remarks, urging the central government to prioritise alternative connectivity routes for the Northeast, bypassing the strategic 'Chicken's Neck' corridor."The statement made by Md Younis of Bangladesh, the so-called interim Government referring to the seven sister states of Northeast India as landlocked and positioning Bangladesh as their guardian of ocean access, is offensive and strongly condemnable," Sarma said.
"Such provocative statements by Md Younis must not be taken lightly, as they reflect deeper strategic considerations and longstanding agendas," he added.
Tensions Rise Amid Strategic Concerns
The remarks have escalated concerns in India over Bangladesh's growing proximity to China and its implications for India's northeastern region. With leaders from both the opposition and the ruling alliance expressing alarm, the episode has thrown a spotlight on regional geopolitics and India's foreign policy posture.
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