India says it is closely monitoring Bangladesh-China Teesta project, will take ‘Appropriate Measures’

India on Friday responded cautiously to Bangladesh’s plans to develop the Teesta River and a proposed economic corridor with China’s assistance, saying New Delhi is closely monitoring developments in its neighbourhood and will take “appropriate measures” wherever necessary.

The remarks came after Bangladesh and China agreed to cooperate on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project during Bangladesh Prime Minister Tariq Rahman’s visit to Beijing last month. China has also indicated its intention to advance the proposed China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CBMEC)a regional connectivity initiative aimed at enhancing trade and infrastructure links.

Responding to questions during the Ministry of External Affairs’ weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India continues to closely track developments that have regional implications.

“We closely follow all such developments in our neighbourhood and take appropriate measures as required,” Jaiswal said.

Referring specifically to the Teesta project, he noted that India’s development partnership with Bangladesh is guided by a mutually agreed roadmap that is reviewed regularly.

“India’s development assistance for projects in Bangladesh is based on a mutually agreed roadmap, which is regularly reviewed,” Jaiswal said.

He added that New Delhi had already communicated its position on the Teesta River project to Dhaka.

“India’s views on the Teesta project have been previously conveyed to the Bangladesh side. We will factor all related developments in our overall approach to the Teesta issue,” he said, without elaborating further.

The Teesta River, which flows through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, has long been a sensitive issue in bilateral relations. A proposed water-sharing agreement has remained pending for years due to the need for consensus among stakeholders, including the West Bengal government.

China’s growing infrastructure engagement in Bangladesh, including its interest in the Teesta restoration project and the proposed China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor, has attracted close attention in New Delhi, which has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining regional stability, transparency and respect for the interests of neighbouring countries.

India’s latest remarks indicate that while it is not publicly opposing Bangladesh’s cooperation with China, it will continue to assess the strategic implications of these initiatives as part of its broader neighbourhood policy.