Muhammad Yunus’s Upcoming Visit to China: Implications for India

Muhammad Yunus, head of the interim Bangladeshi government, will visit China focusing on bilateral relations and military cooperation. This visit is viewed with concern by India, amidst accusations of minority persecution in Bangladesh. China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy aims to encircle India through strategic bases in the Indian Ocean, complicating regional dynamics and security.

Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, is set to embark on his inaugural visit to China on March 25, 2025. This visit follows a recent ten-day trip by a delegation of political leaders and activists to China. Yunus’s discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People on March 28 will likely focus on enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the two nations.

The visit comes at a critical time, as it coincides with India raising concerns about the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh before the United Nations Human Rights Council. This tension has been accentuated since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Bangladesh, leading to unrest and violence against the Hindu community.

Political analysts suggest that Yunus’s engagement with China may alarm Indian authorities, especially given China’s ongoing geopolitical strategy known as the “String of Pearls.” This initiative aims to establish a network of bases throughout the Indian Ocean, thereby encircling India and enhancing China’s military presence in the region.

The String of Pearls strategy is evident through China’s development of ports and naval bases that form a strategic perimeter around India, including significant locations such as Gwadar in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Sittwe in Myanmar. Such advancements further complicate India’s security landscape.

Defense relations between China and Bangladesh date back to 2002, with a notable agreement that has evolved and strengthened under various administrations. With the present government leaning towards alliances with China, enhanced military cooperation is anticipated, potentially heightening tensions with India. This includes the provision of advanced military hardware from China to Bangladesh, which could have significant implications for regional security.

Overall, Yunus’s trip could signify a deepening partnership between Bangladesh and China, raising considerable concerns in New Delhi regarding its strategic posture in South Asia.

In conclusion, Muhammad Yunus’s upcoming visit to China is poised to reinforce the burgeoning ties between Bangladesh and China, which could disturb the delicate balance of power in South Asia. The ongoing military cooperation and China’s strategic maneuvers in the Indian Ocean, as outlined by the ‘String of Pearls’ strategy, amplify India’s security concerns. Furthermore, the backdrop of minority persecution claims against Bangladesh may further complicate diplomatic relations in the region, necessitating a careful watch on developments.

Original Source: www.dnaindia.com