Will factor all related developments in our overall approach to Teesta issue: MEA
New Delhi, July 3
Emphasising that development cooperation with Bangladesh is guided by a mutually agreed framework, India on Friday said its position on the Teesta River project has already been communicated to Dhaka and that it will take all related developments into account in its approach to the issue.
Addressing the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks in response to a question on the Teesta River project, which figured in discussions during Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China.
"India's development assistance for projects in Bangladesh is based on a mutually agreed roadmap, which is regularly reviewed. Our views on 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," Jaiswal stated.
Regarding the recent engagement between Dhaka and Beijing, he said, "We closely follow all such developments in our neighbourhood and take appropriate measures as required."
Last week, PM Rahman held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, marking one of the key engagements of his four-day official visit to China, as the two countries continue to deepen engagement, Bangladeshi media reported.
Following the meeting, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) took to X and posted: "The two leaders engaged in fruitful discussions on issues of mutual interest, strengthening economic cooperation, and deepening future partnership between Bangladesh and China."
During the visit, Rahman also met Chinese Premier Li Qiang, during which the two sides reportedly discussed the Teesta project, trade, and investment as well as witnessed the signing of 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
"The two Prime Ministers later led a high-level bilateral meeting, culminating in the signing of two agreements and thirteen Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), marking a significant step forward in Bangladesh-China cooperation and partnership," the BNP posted on X.
Rahman arrived in China's Dalian on the night of June 22 after concluding his two-day official visit to Malaysia, the first leg of his maiden overseas tour since taking office as Prime Minister.
His visit to China focused on strengthening economic and defence cooperation, with a proposed fighter jet deal at its core, signalling Dhaka's apparent strategic tilt toward Beijing.
In May, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visited China at the invitation of Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister of China.
When asked about Khalilur's talks with Chinese officials regarding the Teesta River, the MEA had then said, "India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers. We have structured bilateral mechanisms to discuss all water-related issues. At these bilateral mechanisms, they continue to meet at regular intervals."
The recent engagements come amid Bangladesh's shifting political alignments following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, highlighting a stark pivot in Dhaka's realignment towards countries like China, Turkey, and Pakistan.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Typical political game 🎭 - Dhaka playing China card to pressure India. But we must remember, water sharing is a sensitive issue for millions of farmers in West Bengal and Assam. MEA is right to take a cautious approach. Let China deal with their own river disputes first!
I appreciate the MEA's balanced statement - acknowledging Bangladesh's development needs while firmly protecting India's interests. But we need to be more proactive. China is clearly trying to encircle us through infrastructure projects and military deals in Bangladesh. This cannot be taken lightly.
Interesting how Bangladesh is pivoting after Hasina's exit. But from an outsider's perspective, water sharing on transboundary rivers like Teesta needs a scientific, data-driven approach - not politics. Both countries should work on a joint hydrological study rather than playing geopolitical games.
Look, I understand India's concerns about water security, but we can't keep delaying this forever. The Teesta agreement was almost signed in 2011 but Mamata Banerjee blocked it. Now Bangladesh is turning to China - is this the diplomatic failure we want? We need to find a middle ground, not just say "we'll factor developments" 🤷♀️
As someone who follows South Asian geopolitics, this is a classic example of smaller nations balancing big powers. Bangladesh has every right to seek Chinese investment if India drags its feet. But the real question is - can India afford to lose its influence in yet another neighbor? The answer better be no.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.