Himanta Biswa Sarma Slams Bangladesh's Ocean Access Remark as "Provocative and Offensive"

Assam CM Reacts Strongly to Bangladesh’s Statement on Northeast India's Landlocked Status​

Guwahati, April 1 — Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sharply criticised recent comments made by Bangladesh’s interim government, describing them as "offensive and strongly condemnable." The remarks, attributed to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during a recent visit to China, claimed that Bangladesh is the "only guardian of the ocean" for India's northeastern states.

The controversial statement, which surfaced on social media Monday, highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic position in the region and urged Beijing to expand its economic influence. Yunus referred to India’s northeastern region — known as the "seven sisters" — as landlocked, suggesting that this geographical constraint could benefit Bangladesh as a key maritime access point.

"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 posted on X.

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"Such Provocative Statements Must Not Be Taken Lightly": Sarma​

In his post, Sarma warned that Yunus’ remarks reflect "deeper strategic considerations and longstanding agendas," and must be viewed with seriousness. He emphasised the historical and strategic sensitivity of the region, particularly the narrow 'Chicken's Neck' corridor that connects Northeast India to the mainland.

"Historically, even internal elements within India have dangerously suggested severing this critical passageway to isolate the Northeast... Therefore, it is imperative to develop more robust railway and road networks both underneath and around the Chicken’s Neck corridor," Sarma stated.

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Push for Strategic Connectivity​

The Chief Minister advocated for the exploration and development of alternate road routes that bypass the vulnerable corridor and improve connectivity with the rest of India.

"This may pose significant engineering challenges, but it can be achieved with determination and innovation," he added.

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Bangladesh’s Position and China's Economic Influence​

During his visit to China, Yunus portrayed Bangladesh as a strategic gateway to the Indian Ocean and suggested that the northeastern states of India could serve as an extension of China’s economic corridor. His remarks have sparked political and diplomatic concerns in India’s eastern region, especially at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivity in South Asia.