Observe riparian law, West Bengal

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi recently, at Hyderabad House in Delhi, signed 10 memoranda of understanding – seven new and three renewed agreements to further strengthen the relationship between two neighbors. However, that four-day visit by Sheikh Hasina to India ended without any breakthrough in the long pending Teesta Water Sharing Treaty.

Nevertheless, Narendra Modi in a press statement said, “A technical team will soon visit Bangladesh to discuss conservation and management of the Teesta River in Bangladesh.” Sheikh Hasina, on the other hand, has expressed her expectation about the Teesta River as she said, “We hope that all outstanding issues, including the Teesta Water-Sharing Treaty, would be concluded at an early date.”

These statements by the two prime minister signify that Dhaka and Delhi will have serious discussions about the treaty.

Although the history of negotiations over Teesta which were started from 1947, just after the partition, has not brought success yet due to India’s non-cooperation, this time the geopolitical situation in South Asia compels India to sit at the negotiation table.

India has expressed its interest in financing the Teesta River project, primarily to counter China’s growing influence in Bangladesh. By investing in this project, India aims to reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on Chinese investments, thereby maintaining its regional dominance and strengthening bilateral ties with Bangladesh.

Both India and China are interested in financing the Teesta River project; however, India’s commitment to a water-sharing treaty with Bangladesh would not only make the project a reality but also enhance India’s strategic and diplomatic standing in