Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra made a attend to Dhaka on May 8 and 9, and he expressed India’s involvement in funding the Teesta River project, which represents a major change in India’s relationship with Bangladesh regarding this long-discussed water source.
China’s continued involvement and plan to finance the exact project are coincide with this expression of interest. China’s due engagement and perceived political challenge led India to invest in the Teesta River project. India’s funding of the project aims to counter China’s influence and maintain its geographical dominance, which highlights the complex interplay between strategic interests in South Asia.
However, India’s latest appearance of interest in financing the Teesta task seems less a true responsibility and more a move to counter China’s effect. Given India’s sincerity and ability to finance the project properly, especially given its current financial challenges and the controversial reliability of its lines of credit, is raised by this late expression of attention.
The schedule of India’s attention, juxtaposed with China’s now continued presence, suggests a sensitive rather than proactive stance. India’s hesitant and obtuse deeds in negotiating a Teesta water-sharing deal with Bangladesh have enabled China to gain traction in a crucial infrastructure project that could substantially increase its influence in Bangladesh and the South Asian region as a whole.
India’s reticence and Bangladesh’s switch to China
India’s persistent reticence and flagrant disregard for the Teesta water-sharing convention show a disturbing routine of broken promises. India has stifled its foot for decades, putting Bangladesh in a terrible position and making it look for other options out of despair.
An initial contract for equal water sharing between India and what was next East Pakistan was reached in the Teesta River dispute, which dates back to 1951. This partnership, like many others, was not implemented.
India has consistently broken its commitments, despite the establishment of the India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission in 1972 and an ad hoc arrangement in 1983, where 39 % of the water was given to India and 36 % to Bangladesh.
The importance of resolving the Teesta problem was more emphasized by the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty. However, following discussions have been ineffective.
In a draft agreement from 2011 that proposed distributing 42.5 % of the Teesta water to India and 37.5 % to Bangladesh during the crucial dry season. The objections of Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, which exposed India’s domestic discord and lack of local responsibility, immediately derailed this arrangement.
India’s condescending and indifferent approach has been reacted to by Bangladesh’s persistent and urgent pleas for the completion of the long-awaited Teesta River waters sharing treaty. India has chosen to worsen the situation by planning to distract the Teesta River through the construction of two more rivers, rather than address Bangladesh’s legitimate concerns. This reckless move threatens to destroy Bangladeshi crops, worsening the liquid crisis, and heightening local conflicts.
Moreover, the absence of a Teesta water- sharing treaty has significant negative impacts on Bangladesh, affecting its economy, agriculture, and general societal properly- being. According to the Washington- based International Food Research Institute ( IFPRI), Bangladesh annually loses about 1.5 million metric tons of Boro rice, or 8.9 % of its total rice production, due to water shortages in the Teesta barrage area, with projected declines of 8 % by 2030 and 14 % by 2050 due to reduced river flow.
According to projections, these losses will only get worse, with significant declines in agricultural productivity expected by 2050 as a result of decreased river flow. This causes poverty and hunger to worsen, as well as destabilize the rural economy, whose main source of income is agriculture.
Bangladesh has turned to China in response to India’s persistent refusal to cooperate, becoming a member of the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project ( TRCMRP ). This collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding in 2016 and scheduled for completion by 2025, aims to address the prolonged water crisis caused by India’s inaction.
The Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project ( TRCMRP ) addresses Bangladesh’s losses by ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation. To increase agricultural productivity and protect livelihoods, the project incorporates flood control and drought management techniques. Additionally, it concentrates on creating strong water management infrastructure and fostering local capacity for sustainable water use.
Additionally, by collaborating with China, the TRCMRP reduces Bangladesh’s dependence on India’s inconsistent policies, promoting regional cooperation and ensuring long- term economic stability.
Why does India want to contribute money to the TRCMRP project?
India’s willingness to contribute to the TRCMRP is fueled by a number of strategic and geopolitical factors. Primarily, India aims to counter China’s growing influence in Bangladesh, which is seen as part of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative. India aims to maintain its regional dominance and strengthen bilateral ties with Bangladesh, a nation that is crucial to its geopolitical interests, by funding the TRCMRP.
Additionally, India’s involvement in the TRCMRP is a strategic move to secure its interests in transboundary water management. By taking a lead role, India aims to make sure that water-sharing agreements are managed fairly, reducing the chance of water shortage in its own regions. Moreover, India sees the project as a way to promote sustainable development and environmental management, which aligns with its broader regional objectives.
Slow payment of line of credit as a contributing factor
India’s slow payment of its$ 7.362 billion line of credit, with only 20 % of it used over 13 years, raises important questions about its willingness to fund the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project ( TRCMRP ) funding. Bureaucratic hurdles and restrictive conditions, such as mandatory sourcing from India, have hampered effective fund utilization.
This track record undermines confidence in India’s commitment to the TRCMRP, especially when compared with China’s prompt investment proposals. India’s funding strategy’s slow pace and stringent conditions severely impair its ability to fulfill its promises and manage crucial regional projects effectively.
India must address its past shortcomings and take decisive action to regain Bangladesh’s confidence in its commitment to the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project ( TRCMRP ).
Firstly, India should make the Teesta water-sharing treaty final, demonstrating a sincere commitment to equitable resource management. India needs to streamline the administration of its line of credit, making sure that procedures are transparent and efficient without introducing bureaucrat barriers.
India can strengthen its bilateral ties with Bangladesh by working with them in a proactive and trustworthy manner and counteract China’s growing influence in the area. This entails completing financial commitments on time as well as engaging in sustainable and collaborative water management practices that benefit both countries. For India to reestablish trust and strengthen its position strategically in South Asia, these actions are crucial.
Md. The Department of Law at the University of Dhaka is where Jahid- Al- Mamun lectures. He frequently writes about the state of the region’s current affairs and has a keen interest in South Asia’s geopolitical dynamics.