A long-standing conflict between India and Bangladesh centers on the allocation of the Teesta River’s waters, a vital resource for both nations. Bangladesh is advocating for a larger share of this waterway and is pushing for a significant billion-dollar megaproject that would enhance water management and irrigation in the region. However, the project faces hurdles, particularly from the Indian state of West Bengal, which has expressed opposition.
Relations between Bangladesh and India have deteriorated significantly, especially following the removal of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. This political shift has added tension to the already strained discussions over the Teesta River, which has been a contentious issue for decades.
The Teesta River is crucial for agriculture and livelihoods in both countries, making its equitable distribution a pressing concern. Bangladesh, which currently receives less than half of the river’s flow, argues that a more favorable agreement is essential for its development and food security. The proposed megaproject aims to address these needs but has encountered resistance from West Bengal, where local leaders fear that increased water diversion could harm agricultural activities and water availability in the state.
Adding another layer to the situation is China’s involvement, which has been a growing concern for India. As Bangladesh seeks to strengthen its ties with China, India remains wary of the implications this could have for its own regional influence and security.
The ongoing negotiations over the Teesta River underscore the complexities of water sharing in South Asia, where rivers often cross national boundaries and are critical to the economies and ecosystems of the countries they flow through. As discussions continue, the stakes remain high for both nations, with the potential for significant impacts on regional stability and cooperation.
Experts in the field, including Bangladeshi human rights lawyer Taqbir Huda and former Indian diplomat Vivek Katju, have weighed in on the situation, highlighting the need for a diplomatic resolution that considers the needs and concerns of both nations. The resolution of the Teesta water dispute could serve as a litmus test for future cooperation between India and Bangladesh in an increasingly challenging geopolitical landscape.