Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed a preference for India to execute the $1 billion Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration project, despite China’s readiness to undertake it. At a press conference in Dhaka, PM Hasina stated, “China is ready, but I want India to do the project.” She emphasized India’s offer and ongoing feasibility study, highlighting her prioritization of India’s involvement due to the neighboring country’s control over Teesta’s waters.
The project aims to better manage the Teesta River’s water resources. Both India and China have shown interest in the initiative, making offers and conducting feasibility studies. During PM Hasina’s visit to New Delhi in June, the development of the 414 km long Teesta river basin was a significant topic of discussion. The Teesta River flows from India into Bangladesh, and both nations share several rivers originating from the Himalayas and flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
This decision by Bangladesh underscores the strategic importance of India-Bangladesh relations and their collaborative efforts in managing shared water resources.
Meanwhile, Hasina abruptly cut short her visit to China, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with Beijing’s failure to fulfill its financial promises and a perceived lack of proper protocol. Originally scheduled for four days, Hasina returned a day early after China offered only around $100 million in financial assistance instead of the promised $5 billion loan.
Diplomatic engagements also fell short, with Hasina’s talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping being shorter than expected and no meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Despite signing 16 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on trade and technology, the overall disappointment with financial and diplomatic aspects led to Hasina’s premature return.
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