New Delhi – India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it is closely watching Bangladesh’s plan to develop the Teesta River with technical assistance from China and warned that New Delhi will take “appropriate measures” to safeguard its interests, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters on Tuesday.
The Bangladeshi government has announced a joint feasibility study with a Chinese firm to explore hydro‑electric generation and irrigation improvements on the Teesta, a trans‑border river that flows from the Indian state of Sikkim into Bangladesh’s northern districts. India, which controls the river’s headwaters, has expressed concerns that the project could affect downstream water availability and flood management.
Jaiswal said India’s position on the matter has been “previously conveyed” to Dhaka. He declined to detail what “appropriate measures” might entail, but emphasized that New Delhi expects any development on the Teesta to be consistent with existing bilateral agreements and the 1996 Teesta Water Sharing Treaty.
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Water Resources has described the project as a “strategic initiative” aimed at boosting regional energy security and agricultural productivity. The partnership with a Chinese engineering company, identified in local media as China International Water & Electric Corp, is part of Bangladesh’s broader push to attract foreign investment for infrastructure development.
Analysts note that the Teesta has long been a flashpoint in India‑Bangladesh relations. While the 1996 treaty set a framework for water sharing, disputes over seasonal flows have persisted, especially during the monsoon season when flood control is critical for both countries. Any upstream construction could alter flow patterns, potentially impacting irrigation in Bangladesh’s Rangpur and Dinajpur districts and hydropower generation in India’s West Bengal.
China’s involvement adds a geopolitical dimension. New Delhi has been wary of Beijing’s expanding influence in South Asia, particularly in sectors such as energy and infrastructure. The Indian government has not publicly linked the Teesta issue to broader security concerns, but observers suggest that a China‑backed project could be perceived as shifting regional power balances.
“The statement reflects a diplomatic balancing act,” said Priyanka Sharma, a senior fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. “India wants to ensure that its water security is not compromised, while also managing its bilateral relationship with Bangladesh, a key neighbor.”
Bangladesh has reiterated that the feasibility study will be conducted in accordance with international standards and that the outcome will be shared with India. Dhaka’s water ministry spokesperson said the project aims to “optimise the river’s potential without harming downstream users.”
The two countries have a history of cooperation on water issues, including joint river management mechanisms. However, both sides have previously raised concerns when unilateral actions were perceived to threaten water availability.
India’s warning comes amid heightened scrutiny of China’s Belt and Road Initiative projects across the region. While no concrete steps have been announced, New Delhi’s reference to “appropriate measures” leaves open the possibility of diplomatic engagement, legal recourse under existing treaties, or coordinated water‑resource management initiatives.
Analysis: The Teesta dispute underscores the strategic importance of trans‑border rivers in South Asia, where water security intersects with geopolitical rivalries. India’s cautious response seeks to protect its upstream interests without escalating tensions with Bangladesh, a fellow SAARC member. China’s participation could complicate negotiations, as both India and Bangladesh must navigate the technical merits of the project alongside broader concerns about Beijing’s regional footprint. The outcome will likely hinge on how effectively the parties can align the project with existing water‑sharing agreements and address downstream concerns through transparent data sharing and joint monitoring.
Sources
– Hindustan Times, “India reacts cautiously to Dhaka’s plan to develop Teesta river with China,” July 4 2026, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-reacts-cautiously-to-dhaka-s-plan-to-develop-teesta-river-with-china-101783094518688.html
Story synopsis gathered from: Hindustan Times – India News — source
Corrections
If you believe this article contains an error, contact Herald Express with the source URL and supporting evidence.
