New Delhi: China has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s Teesta River project, maintaining that cooperation between Beijing and Dhaka should proceed independently and without interference from any third party.
Responding to concerns raised by India, the Chinese government stated that its partnership with Bangladesh is not directed against any country and emphasised that bilateral projects should remain free from external influence. Beijing described the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project as an important development initiative aimed at improving livelihoods and supporting Bangladesh’s long term water management goals.
China expressed its willingness to deepen collaboration with Bangladesh across several sectors, including trade, water conservation and public welfare, while also strengthening broader development cooperation between the two countries.
The project has attracted attention in India due to the Teesta basin’s proximity to the country’s northeastern region and the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck”. The narrow stretch of land serves as the primary link connecting India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country, making developments in the surrounding region particularly sensitive from a security perspective.
Bangladesh has confirmed that experts from both countries will jointly conduct a technical feasibility study for the project, marking a significant step forward in the initiative. Officials in Dhaka said China had pledged full support for the project if the findings of the study justify its implementation.
The two countries have also agreed to expand cooperation in river management and water resource development, with the Teesta project emerging as a key focus area in bilateral ties.
Earlier this year, Bangladesh’s water authorities and a Chinese state owned company extended an existing memorandum of understanding related to the project, further advancing plans for its future development.
As discussions move ahead, India is expected to closely monitor progress on the initiative given its geographical and strategic implications for the region.
