India on Friday said it is closely monitoring developments in its neighbourhood, including the proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor and Chinese involvement in the Teesta project, and will take necessary measures following Dhaka’s recent high-level visit to Beijing.
Responding to questions on whether these initiatives and Chinese access to the Mongla Port posed security concerns, Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that New Delhi remains vigilant, reports The Tribune.
“We closely monitor all such developments in our neighbourhood and take appropriate measures as required,” Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing.
Teesta roadmap, strategic corridor
Regarding the Teesta river project, Jaiswal reiterated that India’s development partnership with Bangladesh is guided by mutual understanding. He noted that Indian development assistance is based on a “mutually agreed roadmap” that is regularly reviewed.
“Our 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,” the spokesperson added.
The remarks follow a five-day visit to China by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, during which Beijing pledged support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.
The two nations also explored the proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor.
Expected to run along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, the corridor is viewed by strategic observers as part of Beijing’s efforts to expand its connectivity to the Bay of Bengal. While the MEA did not comment directly on the corridor or the port, it stressed that India maintains a close watch on developments with potential security implications.
Elevated ties
Last week, China and Bangladesh elevated their relationship to a “China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era.”
The two countries agreed to deepen defence and strategic cooperation while expanding collaboration in trade, water resources, and industrial development, including the modernisation of Mongla Port – a project in which India has also been involved.
Beijing further reiterated its support for Bangladesh’s participation in BRICS and its bid to become a partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
