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A file photo of Randhir Jaiswal
India is closely monitoring Bangladesh’s reported plan to purchase fighter jets from China while Beijing’s potential participation in Teesta River Mega Project have sparked renewed geopolitical discussions in the country. In this context, neighboring India has stated that it is closely monitoring Bangladesh’s military and strategic developments.
On Friday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it is observing the ongoing developments and security-related progress in Bangladesh and will take necessary measures to safeguard its national security as required by the situation. India’s news agency, ANI, reported the information.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India keeps a close watch on all strategic and military developments in neighboring countries and takes appropriate steps whenever necessary. He made the remarks in response to a question about Bangladesh’s possible purchase of J-10 fighter jets from China.
During the same briefing, India also outlined its position on the Teesta River Mega Project. It said Bangladesh’s development projects are generally conducted within the bilateral framework between the two countries and are reviewed regularly. India also noted that it has already conveyed its own position on the Teesta issue to Bangladesh.
Referring to the long-standing dispute and discussions over the Teesta River, India said any future regional developments and changes surrounding the project would be taken into consideration in its policymaking. The issue of Teesta River water sharing has long been regarded as a sensitive matter between the two countries.
According to the ANI report, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recently said, following his visit to China, that Beijing had assured full financial and technical support for the Teesta Mega Project.
Discussions between India and Bangladesh over the Teesta issue have continued for many years. Although several initiatives have been taken in the past regarding water sharing, none has reached a final resolution. These include the proposed 2011 agreement, which was not implemented due to political disagreements.
