look news india
A major development has come to light regarding Teesta river water management, which has again fueled India’s security concerns. China and Bangladesh have officially agreed to deepen mutual cooperation in the management of Teesta River and other major water projects. The agreement came as Bangladesh Prime Minister Tariq Rahman held a high-level meeting with China’s Water Resources Minister Li Guoying in Beijing. After this partnership, China’s presence is now expected to become more dense near India’s very sensitive ‘Siliguri Corridor’ (Chicken Neck).
China’s ‘Teesta Plan’ and security equation
China has been expressing its desire to invest heavily in the ‘Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project’ for quite some time now. Security experts believe that this project is not limited to water management only. China’s technological and infrastructure development so close to the Siliguri Corridor, the only link connecting mainland India with the north-eastern states, could be strategically challenging for India. This interest of Beijing is often seen as a ‘debt trap’ and efforts for military expansion.
Promise of technology and training to Bangladesh
During the meeting, the Bangladeshi Prime Minister sought technical and economic assistance from China for water resources management, preventing river erosion, strengthening irrigation systems and promoting water transportation. China has not only assured full cooperation in these projects, but has also invited Bangladeshi officials to provide special training in water management. This new partnership, built on the foundation of bilateral agreements of 2005, has become a major means for China to increase its presence in South Asia. It will now be a big test for India at the diplomatic and geopolitical level as to how it handles this sensitive issue with its neighbour.
