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Bangladesh Awards Teesta River Project to China, Raising Security Concerns for India

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Dhaka
  • Jul 17, 2026
  • 143

Bangladesh has officially entrusted the ambitious Teesta River Management Project (TRMP) to China, marking a major geopolitical development in South Asia. The decision comes after Dhaka declined an earlier Indian proposal and instead entered into a government-to-government (G2G) agreement with Beijing for one of Bangladesh's largest river infrastructure projects.

The move is being closely watched in New Delhi, with defence analysts highlighting its potential implications for India's northeastern security, particularly due to the project's proximity to the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the Chicken's Neck.

China to Finance ₹7,000 Crore for Teesta River Management Project

Under the newly signed agreement, China will provide nearly ₹7,000 crore in concessional financing for the approximately ₹9,000 crore Teesta River Management Project. Bangladesh is expected to repay the soft loan over a period of 50 years, making it one of the country's biggest long-term infrastructure partnerships with Beijing.

 

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The project aims to improve flood management, riverbank protection, irrigation facilities, navigation and overall water resource management along the Teesta River.

Bangladesh Rejects India's Earlier Investment Proposal

India had earlier proposed financing and implementing the same project during the administration of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In 2024, New Delhi reportedly submitted a proposal worth around ₹9,000 crore, hoping to strengthen bilateral cooperation and prevent increasing Chinese involvement in the strategically sensitive region.

However, following the political transition in Bangladesh and the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, the proposal remained pending. The newly elected government under Prime Minister Tariq Rahman has now formally selected China as the implementation partner.

Power China Begins Preliminary Survey

Bangladesh has awarded the contract to Power China, one of China's largest state-owned engineering companies.

Soon after the agreement was signed, approximately 50 Chinese engineers and technical specialists arrived in Bangladesh to conduct preliminary surveys across the Teesta basin.

 

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Their work includes collecting hydrological data, evaluating flood patterns and preparing engineering designs before construction begins.

Chinese Experts to Study River Flow During Monsoon

Officials familiar with the project said the current monsoon season will be used to conduct detailed assessments of the Teesta River.

The survey will examine:

  • River discharge and seasonal water flow

  • Silt accumulation and riverbed conditions

  • Flood behaviour

  • Proposed locations for embankments, dams, jetties and related infrastructure

China has also reportedly agreed to assist Bangladesh in removing excessive silt from the Teesta catchment area before large-scale construction starts.

Bangladesh has additionally requested Chinese experts to identify ways to retain more monsoon water so that irrigation requirements for Kharif cultivation can be better managed before the project enters its construction phase next year.

Why India's Security Establishment Is Watching Closely

Security experts believe the project carries strategic significance beyond river management.

Teesta Project Located Close to India's Sensitive Border

The proposed construction zone in Bangladesh's Nilphamari and Rangpur districts lies barely 10-12 kilometres from the Indian border.

It is also situated only about 22 kilometres from the Siliguri Corridor, India's narrow land passage connecting the northeastern states with the rest of the country.

Given the corridor's strategic importance, any long-term foreign infrastructure activity nearby is likely to receive close scrutiny from Indian security agencies.

Questions Raised Over Power China's Strategic Role

Power China is a Chinese government-owned infrastructure company involved in several major projects across Asia and Africa.

Strategic analysts note that many Chinese state-owned enterprises operate within Beijing's broader military-civil integration framework, leading to concerns that infrastructure investments could also support China's long-term strategic interests in the region.

Growing Chinese Presence Near India's Eastern Frontier

Indian defence observers believe that the prolonged deployment of Chinese engineers, technicians and support staff close to India's northeastern border could gradually expand Beijing's influence in a strategically important area.

Experts say the development may create additional security considerations alongside India's existing border challenges with China.

Bangladesh Exploring Deeper Defence Cooperation With China

Apart from infrastructure cooperation, Bangladesh and China are also reportedly discussing defence collaboration.

According to sources, Bangladesh's Defence Adviser Brigadier General Shamsul Islam recently met the Chinese Ambassador to discuss possible military cooperation.

Among the reported topics was China's proposal to supply J-series fighter aircraft to the Bangladesh Air Force.

Reports suggest China may deliver the first batch of 12 fighter jets later this year, although neither side has officially confirmed the timeline.

Chinese Strategic Projects Expanding Across Bangladesh

China's footprint in Bangladesh has continued to grow through several high-profile infrastructure and defence-related projects.

Notable developments include:

  • A $1.2 billion submarine support base at Pekua in Cox's Bazar, equipped for maintenance and logistics.

  • Development of an airbase at Lalmonirhat with Chinese assistance, located relatively close to India's Siliguri Corridor.

These projects have attracted attention from strategic observers due to their geographical proximity to India's eastern frontier.

Regional Geopolitical Impact

Bangladesh's decision to partner with China for the Teesta River Management Project represents a significant shift in regional infrastructure cooperation. While Dhaka views the project as a major step toward improving water management and flood control, the agreement also highlights China's expanding influence in South Asia.

For India, the development is expected to remain an important strategic issue because of its proximity to the northeastern border and the broader geopolitical competition between New Delhi and Beijing.

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