China has responded to India’s concerns over its involvement in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) in Bangladesh, reaffirming that its cooperation with Dhaka is purely development-oriented and not directed against any third country. The remarks come amid growing regional attention on the river project, which India views with strategic sensitivity due to its proximity to the northeastern region.

Speaking at a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China-Bangladesh cooperation is not targeted at any third party and should remain free from external influence. He emphasized that the Teesta project is primarily a livelihood initiative aimed at improving river management and supporting communities in Bangladesh that depend on the river basin. China, he added, remains willing to support the project in line with Bangladesh’s development priorities.

The Teesta River basin lies close to India’s strategically important northeastern states, including the Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck.” This narrow stretch of land connects India’s northeastern region with the rest of the country, making it a highly sensitive zone from a security standpoint. India’s concerns stem from the possibility that external involvement in river management in the region could have broader strategic implications.

Also Read: Bangladesh PM Discusses Teesta Water Project With Chinese Minister

Bangladesh has been actively advancing cooperation with China on the Teesta project. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman recently confirmed that both countries will conduct a technical feasibility study, marking a new phase in their collaboration. Officials said the study represents progress compared to earlier stages of discussion and could pave the way for deeper engagement if deemed viable. A state-owned Chinese company and Bangladesh’s Water Development Board had earlier extended a memorandum of understanding to further develop the project framework.

India is expected to closely monitor developments surrounding the initiative, particularly given the strategic importance of the Teesta basin and its link to regional water security. While Bangladesh and China maintain that the project is focused on river management and infrastructure development, concerns in New Delhi centre on the broader geopolitical implications of increased Chinese involvement in Bangladesh’s critical water resources.

As discussions continue between Dhaka and Beijing, the evolving dynamics around the Teesta project highlight the intersection of development cooperation and regional strategic sensitivities in South Asia. The coming months are likely to be closely watched as technical assessments progress and diplomatic exchanges between the involved countries continue.

Also Read: Bangladesh Finds India's Explanation Inadequate After PM Adviser's Airport Detention Episode