India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently made a pointed remark aimed at Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus, emphasizing India’s significant geographical stake in the Bay of Bengal. Jaishankar highlighted that India possesses the longest coastline in the region, stretching over 6,500 kilometers, as a counter to what he described as Yunus’s “cherry-picking” approach. This was likely in response to comments or policies from Yunus that Jaishankar perceived as selectively ignoring India’s role or influence in regional matters, possibly related to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) or broader geopolitical dynamics.
The statement underscores India’s strategic and maritime prominence in the Bay of Bengal, a key area for trade, security, and regional connectivity. Jaishankar’s jab seems intended to remind Dhaka—and others—that India’s extensive coastline and active participation in regional frameworks cannot be overlooked. The exchange reflects ongoing tensions or diplomatic sparring between the two nations, with India asserting its position as a dominant player in the region.
