Top News

Amid India-Bangladesh tensions, Dhaka takes China envoy near Siliguri Corridor
20 Jan 2026

Amid strained relations between New Delhi and Dhaka, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen near a Teesta project area, which is located close to the strategic Siliguri corridor or Chicken's Neck, on Monday.

The visit was part of a technical assessment under the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, the interim government clarified.

Bangladesh, China committed to Teesta master plan
Project commitment

Water resources adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, who accompanied Yao during the visit, said both countries are committed to implementing the Teesta Master Plan (TMP).

However, she added that work cannot start yet as the scrutiny process is not complete.

The Teesta River is crucial for agriculture and livelihoods in Bangladesh's northern districts and equally important for India's West Bengal state.

Teesta water-sharing strategy remains unresolved
Ongoing negotiations

As such, a Teesta water-sharing strategy between Dhaka and New Delhi has stalled for decades, with no final agreement due to concerns from the West Bengal government.

The Teesta River originates in Sikkim and flows through West Bengal before entering Bangladesh.

The extended standoff has fueled frustration in certain anti-India circles in Bangladesh, where calls for a "fair share" have grown louder since PM Sheikh Hasina's administration fell in August 2024, India Today reported.

Bangladesh-China relations discussed during Yao's visit
Diplomatic talks

China's involvement in the Teesta project is seen as a way to bypass stalled negotiations with India.

However, this raises security concerns for India due to its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor.

Bangladesh under Yunus has reportedly started reviving an old airbase at Lalmonirhat, which could have a Chinese presence near the Chicken's Neck.

Last year, Yunus had sparked a row when he described India's Northeast as "landlocked" and positioned Bangladesh as the "guardian of ocean access" for the region.