Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that her government would prefer neighbouring India to undertake a $1 billion Teesta river development project, a decision that would alleviate New Delhi’s security concerns.

“China is ready but I want India to do the project,” Hasina told reporters while responding to a question on whether she would go with India or China for the Teesta project.

Both China and India are keen to undertake the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration project, a Dhaka-led initiative aimed at improving the management of the river's waters, as the two nations compete for influence in neighbouring Bangladesh.

The project to develop the river basin of the 414 km (257.25 miles) long Teesta River, which flows from India into Bangladesh, was a key topic during Hasina’s visit to New Delhi in June. The two countries share numerous rivers that originate in the Himalayas and flow into the Bay of Bengal.

An agreement on sharing the Teesta River's water was reached in 2011, but it could not be finalised after the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, through which the river flows before entering Bangladesh, objected to the deal.

While India hesitated to resolve the issue, China proposed its plan. In response, New Delhi presented its offer earlier this year, motivated by security concerns about Chinese engineers working close to its borders.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister went on to say that China has made an offer and has done a feasibility study. “India has also made an offer, and will do a feasibility study,” she said.  

“After this is done, we will take what is appropriate for us. But I would give greater priority to this being done by India because India has held up the Teesta’s waters,” Hasina said.  

“If they have to give us the water, they should implement the project. If they do the project, they will give us what we need,” she further said.

The Teesta project was also a significant topic during Hasina's discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when she visited New Delhi in June this year.

PM Modi mentioned that an Indian technical team would soon travel to Dhaka for discussions on the conservation and management of the Teesta River.

Image source: Times of India