Bangladesh can now take a decision regarding China...?
Bangladesh is planning to involve china in the Teesta project, which can have a serious impact on India's security and strategic interests. The decision to include china in this project can be taken by the interim government of Bangladesh. According to the Telegraph report, china has proposed a master plan for the conservation and management of the Teesta river, which has been approved by Bangladesh. This move can cause a major security concern for india, especially due to China's possible presence on the Teesta river near sensitive areas like the siliguri Corridor.
The Teesta river has its source in sikkim in india and this river enters bangladesh through North Bengal. The dispute between bangladesh and india over the distribution of Teesta water has been going on since 2011. However, now the interim government of Bangladesh is planning to include china in this project. bangladesh recently held a public hearing called "Teesta Niye Koronyo" to discuss the Chinese master plan.
Security concerns and potential threats to India
The biggest concern for india is that China's participation in the Teesta project will bring the project closer to the siliguri Corridor. The siliguri Corridor, also known as the "Chicken Neck", is strategically very important for india, as this corridor connects the northeastern part of the country with the rest of India. If china makes its presence felt in this area, it can be a big threat to India's national security.
Growing influence of Bangladesh-China relations
Sheikh Hasina's government had earlier kept china away from the Teesta project, but after her ouster from power, the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus has changed its stance towards China. According to Bangladeshi media reports, the aim of involving china in this project is to build drainage systems, embankments and satellite townships along the river. The project is estimated to cost around $1 billion and is targeted to be completed by 2025.
India's security and diplomatic challenges
If the project moves forward with china, India will need to make major changes to its security strategies. india will have to intensify its diplomatic efforts to secure the security of the siliguri Corridor and access to Northeast India. Apart from this, the growing ties between bangladesh and china can also increase diplomatic challenges for india, especially if bangladesh plans to put pressure on india through this project.
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