Explained: Why Bangladesh’s Teesta Project With China Worries India

Bangladesh’s decision to deepen cooperation with China on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) has renewed strategic debate across South Asia.

While Dhaka describes the initiative as a river restoration and development programme, New Delhi is closely monitoring the project because of its proximity to the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor, often called the Chicken’s Neck.

The Teesta originates in North Sikkim, flows through West Bengal, and enters Bangladesh, where it supports irrigation, agriculture and the livelihoods of millions.

The proposed project seeks to control floods, improve water security, restore the river ecosystem and unlock economic opportunities along the river basin.

Planned works include dredging, embankments, river training, land reclamation, irrigation networks, roads, tourism infrastructure and economic zones.

The proposal dates back to 2016, when Bangladesh’s Water Development Board signed an MoU with PowerChina to prepare a master plan.

The project received a formal framework in 2019 and was publicly unveiled in 2020.

The previous Sheikh Hasina government did not grant final approval while balancing relations with both India and China.

The project regained momentum after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China, where both countries agreed to accelerate a feasibility study.

Bangladesh has described the Teesta initiative as a national priority, while China has reaffirmed its willingness to support cooperation on river management.

India’s Concerns

India’s concern extends beyond water management.

The proposed works lie near the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow stretch connecting mainland India with its northeastern states.

Any long-term Chinese engineering presence in this sensitive region carries strategic significance for New Delhi.

New Delhi has maintained that its development partnership with Bangladesh follows a mutually agreed roadmap.

The Ministry of External Affairs has said India previously conveyed its views on the Teesta project to Dhaka and will factor future developments into its overall approach.

The project therefore represents more than a river restoration programme. It combines water management, infrastructure development and regional geopolitics, making the Teesta an increasingly important element of India-Bangladesh-China relations in the years ahead.