External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), emphasizing the country’s strategic responsibility as the nation with the longest coastline in the Bay of Bengal.
Speaking at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, Jaishankar underlined India's vision of integrated cooperation, cautioning against selective engagement. His remarks came in response to recent controversial statements by Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who urged China to establish an economic base in Bangladesh while asserting that his country was the “only guardian of the ocean” in the region.
Delighted to participate in the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok this morning.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 3, 2025
Expressed India’s solidarity and support for Myanmar & Thailand in face of the massive earthquake.
Highlighted that:
➡️ BIMSTEC represents the trifecta of India’s three crucial… pic.twitter.com/DKMf3STlHM
India’s Role in BIMSTEC and Regional Connectivity
Addressing the summit, Jaishankar highlighted the historical and strategic importance of BIMSTEC nations working together.
“The nations around and proximate to the Bay of Bengal have both common interests and shared concerns. Some of it emanates from our history, where other priorities overrode the well-being of this region.”
He further emphasized India's pivotal role in the regional framework:
“India is aware of its special responsibility in regard to BIMSTEC. We, after all, have the longest coastline in the Bay of Bengal, of almost 6,500 km.”
Additionally, Jaishankar pointed out India's geographic connectivity within the bloc:
“India shares borders not only with five BIMSTEC members, connects most of them, but also provides much of the interface between the Indian subcontinent and ASEAN.”
Highlighting India's commitment to regional infrastructure, he noted the increasing integration of the Northeastern region into BIMSTEC’s connectivity projects.
“Our North-Eastern region in particular is emerging as a connectivity hub for the BIMSTEC, with a myriad network of roads, railways, waterways, grids, and pipelines. Furthermore, the completion of the Trilateral Highway will connect India’s North East all the way to the Pacific Ocean, a veritable game-changer.”
Jaishankar also underscored the need for cooperation on critical security issues, including cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and illegal activities.
“BIMSTEC needs to recognize the seriousness of cyber security, counter-terrorism, human trafficking, illegal narcotics trade, and other associated activities. We need to create the necessary frameworks to deal with them effectively. Nor can we disregard the ever-present dangers of extremism, radicalization, and terrorism.”
Later, Jaishankar reiterated these points in a post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing India's regional connectivity efforts and security concerns.
Muhammad Yunus’s Remarks and the Diplomatic Fallout
The backdrop to Jaishankar’s address was the ongoing diplomatic strain between India and Bangladesh following the interim government’s takeover in Dhaka in August 2024. The political shift has led to deteriorating bilateral ties, with India expressing concerns over rising violence against Hindus and the resurgence of hardline Islamist factions in Bangladesh.
During a recent visit to China, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus made remarks that further escalated tensions. Speaking in Beijing, Yunus controversially suggested that India's Northeastern states being landlocked could present an economic opportunity for China.
“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.”
Positioning Bangladesh as the “only guardian of the ocean” in the region, Yunus implied that this could create an opportunity for extending China’s economic influence into the area.
The statement, which surfaced on social media on March 31, sparked widespread condemnation in India, with political leaders across party lines denouncing Yunus’s comments as “shameful” and “provocative.”
BIMSTEC Summit and India’s Diplomatic Approach
The BIMSTEC Summit has brought Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi face-to-face with key regional leaders, including Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Bangladesh’s Yunus, and Myanmar’s military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.
India’s firm stance at the summit reflects its growing focus on regional security, economic partnerships, and countering external influence in the Bay of Bengal region. As the situation evolves, India's diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh and other BIMSTEC members will be closely watched.
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