Strategic and security related discussions are continuously taking place in India regarding the growing relations between Bangladesh and China. The issue also came up in the monsoon session of Parliament, where MPs asked the government whether the growing partnership between Bangladesh and China could affect India’s interests. On this, the Ministry of External Affairs made it clear that India constantly keeps an eye on every development happening in its neighboring countries, which may impact India’s interests.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha that the government takes all necessary steps to protect India’s strategic, economic and security interests. The ministry also reiterated that there are historical, cultural and strong relations between India and Bangladesh, to further develop which, continuous talks are going on between the two countries. India’s relationship with Bangladesh does not depend on its relations with any third country.
Answer given on Teesta river also
The Teesta River Project and the proposed China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor were also mentioned in the question. On this, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India has taken note of the reports related to the project related to large-scale management and improvement of Teesta River and the proposed economic corridor.
The government said that all these developments will be kept in mind while formulating its overall strategy regarding issues related to Teesta river and trade and economic relations with Bangladesh. That means India is keeping an eye on these projects and will prepare its strategy according to the need. However, the Ministry of External Affairs did not say anywhere in its reply that there is any direct threat to India at present due to the growing relations between Bangladesh and China. The government’s stance has been that it is constantly monitoring every development happening in the region and will continue to take necessary steps to protect national interests. Besides, emphasis has also been laid on maintaining strong mutual relations between India and Bangladesh.
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