- By Raju Kumar
- Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:46 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- China dismisses India's concerns on Teesta project.
- Bangladesh signed 13 MoUs with China for cooperation.
- India sees a security threat near the Siliguri Corridor.
China-Bangladesh Teesta MoU: China has reacted to India's concerns on the MoU signed between Beijing and Dhaka on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), saying India or any third party has no role in it.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, while responding to a question on India's serious concerns about the project, said China-Bangladesh cooperation does not target any third party and should be free from third-party influence.
India’s Neighborhood First Policy Under Strain: Key Friction Points with Bangladesh🧵
— The Indus Report (@Theindusreport2) June 29, 2026
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration has actively promoting its "Bangladesh First" doctrine by partnering with Beijing on projects that directly challenge India's security… pic.twitter.com/niTaU9F55y
13 MoU Reached Between China And Bangladesh
Earlier on Thursday, China and Bangladesh agreed to strengthen cooperation on the management of the Teesta and other rivers, and signed several agreements to bolster bilateral ties.
As many as 13 memoranda of understanding (MoU) were reached following talks between Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing. The MoUs are aimed at broadening ties in areas ranging from investment and trade to education and media collaboration.
What Is Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project?
The TRCMRP is a river engineering and development initiative proposed with support from China in Bangladesh, aiming to tackle chronic flooding, water shortages, and riverbank erosion along the Bangladeshi stretch of the Teesta River. China has described it as a livelihood project that is crucial for Bangladesh, while it poses a threat to India's security in the northeast region.
China Eyes Increasing Influence In Bangladesh
China's growing influence in Bangladesh may have implications for Dhaka-New Delhi ties, given India's sensitivity over the Teesta water-sharing issue. The two sides (Beijing-Dhaka) also reached a consensus on expanding cooperation in areas such as the Teesta Master Plan, river management, flood-risk mitigation, river dredging, erosion control, irrigation and inland navigation.
In his meeting with the Chinese water resources minister, Rahman highlighted Bangladesh's ongoing river excavation programme aimed at reducing flood risks, protecting the environment, and ensuring the proper management of water resources and sought China's technical assistance.
The Bangladesh government said it has finalised an action plan, which includes excavation of 20,000 km of rivers and canals over the next five years and improving water management in the Padma and Teesta rivers.
Last month, the Rahman government formally sought China's involvement and support for the Teesta River restoration project when Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visited Beijing.
Why Is China's Investment In Teesta River Project A Matter Of Concern For India?
The Teesta River flows from the eastern Himalayas through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it is a key source of irrigation and livelihoods for millions of people. China has for years shown interest in developing the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, located near India's sensitive Siliguri Corridor (the critical "Chicken's Neck" refers to a narrow strip of land in West Bengal) that connects the mainland with the northeastern states.
Against this backdrop, India in 2024 offered technical and conservation assistance for the Teesta basin, reflecting New Delhi's efforts to deepen cooperation with Dhaka on transboundary river management. If China's presence increases near the Siliguri Corridor, it would be a direct threat to India's security.
You May Also Like To Watch