India says it will factor in all developments on Teesta River project
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India on Friday said it will factor all developments related to the Teesta river project into its overall approach, following discussions between Bangladesh and China on the proposed Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP).
Responding to a query, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's development assistance for projects in Bangladesh is based on a "mutually agreed roadmap" that is reviewed regularly.
"Our views on the Teesta river project have been previously conveyed to the Bangladeshi side. We will factor all related developments in our overall approach to the Teesta issue," Jaiswal said.
The Teesta River originates in the eastern Himalayas and flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it supports irrigation and livelihoods. The river basin is located near India's strategically important Siliguri Corridor, which connects the country's mainland to its northeastern states.
The remarks came after Bangladesh and China discussed the Teesta project during Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said China had pledged support for the project and both sides had agreed to expedite its feasibility study.
Asked about reports concerning Bangladesh's Mongla Port and plans to procure fighter aircraft from China, Jaiswal said India was closely monitoring the developments.
"We pay attention to all these issues and take whatever appropriate steps we deem necessary," he said.
On consular services in Australia, Kuwait and the UAE, Jaiswal said Indian missions continue to provide limited services while operations of outsourcing agencies remain suspended because the matter is pending before the High Court.
Responding to reports that UNESCO had asked Pakistan to reverse reconstruction work at the World Heritage Site of Taxila, Jaiswal said preserving UNESCO-recognised heritage was a shared global responsibility.
