Bangladesh’s interim PM Mohammad Yunus invokes the “Seven Sisters” after resigning, spewing venom against India.

New Delhi: In his final address to the nation before the formation of a new government in Bangladesh, interim advisor Mohammad Yunus once again invoked the term “Seven Sisters.” He described Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters as a shared region, but did not directly mention India.

Yunus’s statement comes as he has handed over power to an elected government and resigned from his post as interim advisor. In his address, he proposed a sub-regional economic framework, which he said aims to strengthen regional connectivity through maritime access.

Mohammad Yunus said, “Our open sea is not just a geographical boundary; it is a gateway to the global economy. This entire region, including Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters, holds immense potential for economic prosperity. Economic zones, trade agreements, and duty-free market access can transform this region into a global manufacturing hub.”

What is the meaning of Mohammad Yunus’s statement?
Many analysts view his omission of India’s name while referring to the Seven Sisters as a deliberate tactic. With such a controversial statement, Yunus has attempted to present the region’s political and economic identity in a different light, a move India has previously opposed.

Yunus’s ‘Seven Sisters’ rant
During his four-day visit to China in March-April 2025, Mohammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, spoke of increasing cooperation with Beijing. During this, he mentioned India’s seven northeastern states, stating that these states are not connected to the sea and that China could expand its contacts and trade there through Bangladesh.

China’s growing influence in its surrounding regions could be a cause for concern for India. Bangladesh is a strategically important country for India, and many of its areas are located near the Siliguri Corridor. This narrow passage is also known as the “Chicken’s Neck” because it connects India’s northeastern states to the rest of the country.