Bangladesh Seeks China’s Support in Teesta River Restoration Project
Bangladesh wants Chinese technical and financial support for the Teesta basin, which irrigates millions and sits near India’s sensitive Siliguri Corridor.
- On Wednesday, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing to formally seek China's involvement in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.
- The Teesta River flows from the Himalayas through Sikkim and West Bangal into Bangladesh, making the project geopolitically sensitive given its proximity to India's Siliguri Corridor.
- China has expanded its economic footprint in Bangladesh, becoming its fourth-largest lender with USD 7.5 billion in disbursed loans since 1975, while Beijing reiterated support for Bangladesh's sovereignty.
- The interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus has moved closer to China and Pakistan following Sheikh Hasina's departure, potentially straining New Delhi-Dhaka ties over the Teesta initiative.
- Water sharing remains a critical bilateral issue as the India-Bangladesh Ganges Water Treaty, signed in 1996 for 30 years, is set to expire this year unless renewed.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Indian Express
Bangladesh seeks China’s support in Teesta river restoration project
Bangladesh's Tarique Rahman government has sought China's help for the Teesta River project near the sensitive Siliguri Corridor. As the Ganges Water Treaty expires, Dhaka’s pivot to Chinese investment signals a shift in South Asian water diplomacy.
Times of India
The Economic TimesBangladesh turns to China on Teesta project, casting shadow on India ties
Bangladesh's new government is seeking Chinese involvement in the Teesta River restoration project. This move follows discussions between Bangladesh's Foreign Minister and his Chinese counterpart in Beijing. The project's location near India's sensitive Siliguri Corridor raises concerns. India had previously offered technical assistance for the Teesta basin. Water sharing remains a key issue in India-Bangladesh relations.
Dhaka Turns To Beijing For Teesta Restoration, Heightens Tensions With New Delhi
Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim government under Tarique Rahman has officially requested China’s assistance for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), a step that risks complicating ties between Dhaka and New Delhi, PTI reported. The Teesta water-sharing dispute took centrestage during talks on Wednesday between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing, as reporte…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
