In Farewell Note, Muhammad Yunus Leaves Message on India’s ‘Seven Sisters’ for New Bangladesh Govt

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Muhammad Yunus referenced India’s “Seven Sisters” states in his farewell note, urging the incoming government in Bangladesh to prioritise regional connectivity and cooperation with India’s Northeast.

The remark has drawn attention in diplomatic circles, given the strategic and economic importance of India’s northeastern corridor in South Asian geopolitics.

A Focus on Regional Integration

Yunus emphasised the potential of stronger ties with India’s northeastern states often collectively referred to as the Seven Sisters — to unlock trade, connectivity, and cultural exchange. The region includes Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.

Improved road, rail, and river connectivity between Bangladesh and these states could significantly reduce transport costs and expand economic opportunities.

Strategic Importance of the Northeast

India’s Northeast shares a long border with Bangladesh, making cross-border cooperation vital for trade and security. Infrastructure projects such as transnational highways and inland waterway routes have already strengthened bilateral engagement in recent years.

Yunus’s message signals continuity in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.

Economic and Security Dimensions

Closer coordination could support supply chains, energy sharing, and border management. Analysts note that collaboration in the region may also help counter insurgency challenges and boost tourism potential.

For Bangladesh, deeper engagement with the Seven Sisters could enhance access to broader Indian markets while strengthening its own regional influence.

Diplomatic Significance

The farewell message is being interpreted as an appeal for pragmatic diplomacy. India and Bangladesh have maintained generally strong relations, with cooperation spanning trade, security, and development initiatives.

Observers believe the incoming Bangladeshi administration is likely to maintain focus on these established frameworks.

Muhammad Yunus’s reference to India’s Seven Sisters in his farewell note underscores the importance of Northeast India in regional diplomacy. As Bangladesh transitions to new leadership, sustained cooperation in connectivity and economic integration could remain a cornerstone of bilateral ties.