Bangladesh's Pursuit of Chinese Partnership on Teesta Project Stokes Strategic Concerns for India

Bangladesh Seeks China's Involvement in Teesta River Project, Straining Ties with India

Bangladesh's new government, led by Tarique Rahman, has formally sought China's involvement in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), a move that could add fresh strain to ties between New Delhi and Dhaka.

The issue was discussed during a meeting between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday, according to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). The Teesta River flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it remains crucial for irrigation and livelihoods.

In a significant development, Wang Yi expressed support for the new Bangladeshi government, stating that China was ready to strengthen cooperation with Dhaka under the Belt and Road framework. This cooperation includes promoting the alignment of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with Bangladesh's national development strategies and deepening cooperation in traditional areas like economy, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.

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Wang Yi also stressed that China's development of relations with Bangladesh and other South Asian countries does not target any third party, nor should it be affected by any third party. This statement comes as Bangladesh and China agreed to strengthen cooperation under their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

The visit marks Rahman's first trip to China since the new government took office in February. This follows weeks after his India trip, which was closely watched amid Dhaka's growing engagement with China and Pakistan following the fall of Sheikh Hasina.

Comparison of China's Economic Cooperation with Bangladesh and India

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The development also comes as the India-Bangladesh Ganges Water Treaty, signed in 1996 for 30 years, approaches expiry later this year unless renewed. Bangladesh has also reiterated its support for Beijing's position on Taiwan, reaffirming that "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory" and expressing opposition to any form of "Taiwan independence".

In turn, China reiterated its support for Bangladesh in safeguarding its "national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity" and backed the development path chosen by its people.