Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, will visit China on March 25, 2025. His meeting with President Xi Jinping could signify deeper ties between the two nations amid India’s concerns over minority treatment in Bangladesh and China’s strategic expansion in the Indian Ocean. The growing military collaboration between Bangladesh and China may heighten security risks for India as geopolitical dynamics in the region shift.
Muhammad Yunus, who became the head of the interim Bangladesh government following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, is set to visit China on March 25, 2025. This visit coincides with a significant delegation’s previous trip to China and could foster closer ties between the two nations, particularly with discussions anticipated between Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping on March 28.
The visit takes place amid rising tensions, as India has raised concerns over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh during a United Nations Human Rights Council session. This follows numerous incidents of violence against Hindus, particularly after the political upheaval that led to Hasina’s departure from office. Observers note that Yunus’s meeting with Xi Jinping could further exacerbate India’s apprehensions about its neighbors forging stronger relations.
India’s discontent is rooted in China’s expanding influence, especially through its “String of Pearls” strategy, which aims to encircle India with military and port installations. This initiative includes the establishment of strategic bases from Hainan Island to Gwadar Port in Pakistan, alarming Indian geopolitical analysts due to its implications for regional security.
The defense cooperation between Bangladesh and China adds to India’s concerns, particularly as the two nations have cultivated military ties since 2002. Under Hasina, Bangladesh has significantly modernized its military with Chinese support, acquiring various advanced military equipment, which raises additional worries for New Delhi as the current government aligns itself more closely with pro-China sentiments.
As Yunus prepares for this historic visit, geopolitical experts emphasize the potential ramifications of his actions on Bangladesh-China relations and the broader security dynamics in South Asia. Analysts warn that India’s strategic interests may be increasingly jeopardized by this growing intimacy between Dhaka and Beijing, reflecting a shifting balance in the region.
In summary, Muhammad Yunus’ upcoming visit to China marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s foreign relations, potentially fostering closer ties with Beijing. Amid concerns regarding the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh and the implications of China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy, India’s geopolitical anxieties are likely to intensify. The evolving military cooperation between Bangladesh and China further complicates the regional security landscape, signaling a shift in alliances that may prompt a reassessment of India’s strategies in South Asia.
Original Source: www.dnaindia.com
