India on Friday stated that it is closely monitoring strategic developments in its neighbourhood, particularly the growing engagement between Bangladesh and China, and will factor these into its approach to the Teesta river issue. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks during the weekly media briefing in New Delhi.
India's Stance on China's Involvement in Bangladesh
Responding to queries about whether China's proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, its involvement in the Teesta river project, and access to Bangladesh's Mongla Port posed security concerns for India, Jaiswal said New Delhi remains vigilant. "We closely monitor all such developments in our neighbourhood and take appropriate measures as required," he stated.
On the Teesta river project specifically, Jaiswal reiterated that India's development partnership with Bangladesh is guided by mutual understanding. "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 Bangladesh side. We will factor all related developments in our overall approach to the Teesta issue," he added.
Bangladesh PM's Visit to China
The remarks come days after Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman concluded a five-day visit to China. During the visit, Beijing pledged support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project and discussed various connectivity and infrastructure initiatives with Dhaka. The two sides also explored the proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, which is expected to run along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border. Strategic observers view this corridor as part of Beijing's efforts to expand connectivity to the Bay of Bengal.
Concerns Over Mongla Port
Questions were also raised at the MEA briefing over reports that China had been granted access to Bangladesh's Mongla Port, a project in which India has also been involved. The MEA did not directly comment on the corridor or the port but stressed that India keeps a close watch on developments in the neighbourhood and responds as required.
Last week, China and Bangladesh elevated their ties to a "China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era." They agreed to deepen defence and strategic cooperation, and expanded collaboration in connectivity, trade, water resources, and industrial development, including the modernisation of Mongla Port. Beijing also reiterated support for Bangladesh's participation in BRICS and its bid to become a partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Implications for India
India's careful monitoring of these developments underscores the strategic importance of the Teesta river project and the broader regional connectivity initiatives. The Teesta river, which flows through both India and Bangladesh, has been a contentious issue in bilateral relations. India's approach to the project will now take into account the evolving dynamics of Bangladesh-China cooperation, including Chinese involvement in infrastructure and port projects that have direct implications for India's security and economic interests in the region.
