Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Mohammad Younus, has crossed a dangerous line with his recent statements regarding India, particularly concerning the seven northeastern states and the Indian Ocean region. His veiled threats of seeking Chinese assistance against India are not only irresponsible but also pose a direct challenge to regional stability. New Delhi must not take such reckless rhetoric lightly, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should respond with the seriousness that such provocation deserves. India has always extended a hand of friendship to Bangladesh, whether in economic cooperation, infrastructure development, or disaster relief. Yet, instead of strengthening bilateral ties, Younus has chosen the path of hostility, playing a dangerous geopolitical game by invoking China—a known adversary of India—to meddle in South Asia’s delicate power dynamics. This is not just an insult to India’s goodwill but a betrayal of the shared history and economic interdependence between the two nations. If Younus believes that China will be a reliable protector of Bangladesh’s interests, he is gravely mistaken. Beijing’s track record in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and even its so-called ally Nepal should serve as a warning. The so-called “help” from China often comes with economic strangulation—debt traps, loss of sovereignty, and political instability. By even hinting at turning to China, Younus is not only jeopardizing Bangladesh’s independence but also risking severe diplomatic repercussions from India.
India’s northeastern states—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura—are an integral part of the nation. Any attempt to destabilize the region, whether through external interference or by supporting separatist elements, will not be tolerated. If Younus believes he can stir unrest in the region or embolden insurgencies, he should be reminded that India has the capability and the resolve to defend its territorial integrity. The Indian Ocean, too, remains a strategic and sovereign space where India has deep-rooted influence. Any attempt by Bangladesh to invite a Chinese military presence into these waters would be a red line that India will not allow to be crossed. The Indian Navy has already established its dominance in the region, and any foreign encroachment—especially from a hostile power like China—will be met with swift and decisive action. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has rightly advised India to handle its neighborhood with caution but firmness. Modi has been patient with both Bangladesh and Pakistan, seeking diplomacy where possible. However, patience should not be mistaken for weakness. Younus and his administration should heed this warning—India will not tolerate any actions that threaten its sovereignty or regional security. Bangladesh would do well to remember that its prosperity is deeply tied to maintaining cordial relations with India, not by playing the China card to extract short-term leverage. Younus must retract his reckless statements and reaffirm Bangladesh’s commitment to peaceful coexistence. Otherwise, he risks pushing his nation into a geopolitical abyss from which recovery will be difficult. India, meanwhile, must stay vigilant and prepared to counter any moves that challenge its national interests.