April 3, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh's interim Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, were seen seated next to each other at an official dinner hosted by the Thai Prime Minister ahead of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit. Their seating arrangement has ignited speculation about a possible bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the regional summit.

The BIMSTEC summit, set to bring together leaders from Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and India, comes at a time of strained relations between New Delhi and Dhaka. Ties between the two countries have been under stress since last year, following India’s concerns over violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

The interaction between PM Modi and Yunus gains further significance in light of Yunus’ recent controversial comments about India's northeastern region. During a visit to China, Yunus referred to India’s Northeast as a 'landlocked' area with “no way to reach out to the ocean,” emphasizing Bangladesh's strategic importance as the region’s primary maritime gateway. He also called on China to increase its economic involvement in Bangladesh, describing the country as the "only guardian of the ocean" in the region.

His remarks triggered sharp reactions from Indian political leaders. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned the statements as “offensive and unacceptable,” warning that they reignite debates over the sensitive "Chicken's Neck" corridor—West Bengal’s narrow Siliguri Corridor that connects the Northeast to the rest of India.

Similarly, former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh criticized Bangladesh’s interim leadership, accusing them of treating India's Northeast as a "strategic pawn." He cautioned Yunus against making "irresponsible" statements that could impact regional diplomacy.

As the BIMSTEC summit progresses, all eyes are on whether PM Modi and Yunus will engage in formal talks, possibly addressing the recent tensions and shaping the future trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations.