India monitors Bangladesh-China ties, to take 'appropriate measures'

India is closely monitoring developments concerning Bangladesh's deepening strategic ties with China, particularly in defense and infrastructure, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced Friday. "We closely monitor all developments in our neighborhood and take appropriate measures as required," stated MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing.

Jaiswal faced questions regarding Bangladesh's potential acquisition of Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, the proposed Bangladesh-Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, and China's involvement in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. China had proposed the economic corridor during Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit in late June. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen clarified that the corridor, proposed over a decade ago, remains open to other countries, including India. China has also agreed to support Bangladesh on the Teesta project by conducting a joint feasibility study.

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We closely monitor all developments in our neighbourhood and take appropriate measures as required.

Bangladesh approached China for the Teesta project after a water-sharing agreement with India stalled in 2011 due to opposition from India's West Bengal government. Jaiswal confirmed that India's position on the Teesta project has been formally conveyed to Bangladesh, though he did not elaborate on its specifics. He reiterated that New Delhi is keeping a close watch on all regional developments and will respond appropriately.

"Our development partnership with Bangladesh is guided by a mutually agreed roadmap, which is reviewed periodically," Jaiswal added. The MEA spokesperson emphasized that India will continue to assess all developments concerning Bangladesh within the framework of its broader regional policy and long-term strategic interests. This stance reflects India's strategic concerns about China's growing influence in its neighborhood.

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Our development partnership with Bangladesh is guided by a mutually agreed roadmap, which is reviewed periodically.