In a significant diplomatic maneuver, India has announced its commitment to assist Bangladesh in the conservation and management of the Teesta River, effectively edging over China on the project.
Teesta River, which begins from Teesta Khangse glacier in North Sikkim flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh where it joins the Brahmaputra.
China's interest in the Teesta project had been publicly acknowledged last December when Beijing's ambassador to Dhaka announced China's keenness to support the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.
This move by China had raised strategic security concerns for India, given the sensitive nature of shared water resources and the geopolitical implications of Chinese involvement in the region.
India's announcement to support the Teesta management project comes, even as Delhi has been reaching out to its neighbours with projects.
In a significant diplomatic maneuver, India has announced its commitment to assist Bangladesh in the conservation and management of the Teesta River, effectively edging over China on the project. The announcement comes during the visit of Bangladesh PM Hasina to Delhi and is seen as a key part of Delhi's development cooperation.
PM Modi, standing alongside Bangladesh PM Hasina at Hyderabad house in New Delhi said, "a technical team will soon visit Bangladesh to discuss conservation and management of the Teesta river in Bangladesh."
Teesta River, which begins from Teesta Khangse glacier in North Sikkim flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh where it joins the Brahmaputra. It is an important source of water for irrigation, hydropower generation, and supports diverse ecosystems along its course.
China's interest in the Teesta project had been publicly acknowledged last December when Beijing's ambassador to Dhaka announced China's keenness to support the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. This move by China had raised strategic security concerns for India, given the sensitive nature of shared water resources and the geopolitical implications of Chinese involvement in the region.
Also watch | Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina in India, visit to boost bilateral partnership × Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra explained that a technical team has been constituted to "look at Teesta water restoration project", and that "management of shared water resources between the 2 countries is a very crucial matter, sensitive matter and both countries look at it from that principle of common management of shared resources".
Both countries have joint river commission, and this subject has been discussed. India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers. During Saturday's talks, both sides also announced formation of a Joint Technical Committee to initiate discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996.
India's announcement to support the Teesta management project comes, even as Delhi has been reaching out to its neighbours with projects. Last week, in Sri Lanka, along with President Ranil Wickramasinghe, EAM Dr S Jaishankar commissioned the maritime rescue coordination centre (MRCC) that helps the country enhance maritime security and safety in the region. The project was established with a USD 6 million grant from India.
