India Wary as Bangladesh Eyes China for Teesta River Project
India Wary as Bangladesh Eyes China for Teesta River Project
India is closely watching Bangladesh's move to partner with China on the Teesta River project. Will this impact New Delhi-Dhaka ties? Get the full story here!
India is carefully observing Bangladesh's proposed collaboration with China on the development of the Teesta River, a move that could have significant implications for New Delhi-Dhaka relations. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on Friday that India closely tracks all such developments in its neighbourhood and will implement "appropriate measures" as necessary.
The issue gained prominence following Bangladesh Prime Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Beijing last month. During his visit, Rahman met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and also held discussions with China's water resources minister, Li Guoying. An understanding was reached between the two nations for cooperation on the ambitious Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. Additionally, Beijing has outlined plans to advance the proposed China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CBMEC), further signaling China's growing footprint in the region.
When questioned about these developments during a media briefing, Jaiswal reiterated India's consistent stance. He emphasized that India’s views regarding the Teesta river project have been previously conveyed to the Bangladeshi side. "We will factor all related developments in our overall approach to the Teesta issue," he added, without divulging further specifics. India's development assistance to Bangladesh, he noted, is based on a mutually agreed roadmap that undergoes regular review.
New Delhi has historically maintained a watchful stance on Bangladesh's efforts to enlist China for major infrastructure projects. This trend, which began under the caretaker administration of Muhammad Yunus, has continued under the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government led by Prime Minister Rahman. India's concern stems from the potential for China's increased involvement to complicate regional dynamics and New Delhi's strategic interests, particularly concerning crucial shared resources like the Teesta River. The river, a vital cross-border waterway, has been a long-standing point of discussion between India and Bangladesh, making any external involvement a sensitive matter for bilateral ties.
