Yunus map gift sparks diplomatic row with India

Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus has drawn sharp criticism after presenting a book to Pakistani General Sahir Shamshad Mirza that featured a map depicting Assam and other northeastern Indian states as part of Bangladesh. The image has alarmed officials in India and generated widespread public backlash, becoming a prominent bilateral dispute and prompting questions about regional stability and Yunus's engagement with Pakistan and China.

The episode occurred during General Mirza's visit to Dhaka, when Yunus handed over a copy of Art of Triumph. Observers pointed to the book cover, which displayed a revised map merging India's northeast into Bangladesh — a depiction reminiscent of the contested "Greater Bangladesh" idea. The picture circulated rapidly online, triggering debates and condemnation across social media and expert circles, with many describing the gesture as a politically charged signal amid warming ties between Dhaka and Islamabad.

This is not an isolated instance. Earlier this year, during a trip to China, Yunus referred to Bangladesh as a maritime guardian for India's landlocked northeastern states, remarks some officials read as implying economic or geopolitical leverage through Bangladesh. Those comments have heightened New Delhi's unease, with Indian analysts viewing them as challenges to its territorial integrity.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has not issued a formal response to the episode, but sources say concern in New Delhi is growing. Bilateral relations have cooled since Yunus assumed interim leadership in 2024 after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, a shift that has coincided with Dhaka's closer alignments with Pakistan and China — a notable change from the previous administration's India-centric ties.

Analysts warn the incident could unsettle an already sensitive regional balance. Promoting ideas akin to a "Greater Bangladesh," once voiced by fringe elements, risks alienating India and could contribute to diplomatic isolation for Dhaka. Some commentators suggest the controversy may reshape regional alignments, potentially drawing Bangladesh closer to Pakistan and China in a new geopolitical configuration.

Calls for an explanation from Dhaka have grown louder among Indian commentators, who want a clear diplomatic reply from New Delhi. Online reactions have been mostly critical, with users labelling the map provocative, unacceptable and an affront to India's sovereignty.

Whether the map was an error or an intentional message, the episode has strained trust between the two neighbours. For now, the incident has become a test of diplomatic channels and could influence future interactions across South Asia.