India reaffirms position on Indus, Teesta waters treaty

India has reiterated its firm stance on the Indus Waters Treaty while also emphasising continued cooperation with neighbouring countries on water-sharing issues. Responding to media queries, an MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that the Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance due to Pakistan’s continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.

The MEA spokesperson noted that India’s position on the treaty is consistent and linked directly to security concerns arising from terrorism emanating across the border. Stressing the need for accountability, he said Pakistan must “credibly and irrevocably” renounce its support for cross-border terrorism for meaningful progress to take place.

The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, where diplomatic and bilateral engagements have often been affected by security-related concerns.

India has repeatedly maintained that terrorism and dialogue cannot go hand in hand, and the latest statement reinforces that position. On a separate issue concerning regional water cooperation, the spokesperson addressed the Teesta River project and India’s engagement with Bangladesh on water-sharing matters.

He highlighted that India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, making water management a significant aspect of bilateral relations between the two neighbours.

According to the MEA spokesperson, both countries have established structured bilateral mechanisms to discuss water-related issues. These mechanisms continue to function regularly, reflecting the commitment of both sides to maintaining dialogue and cooperation on shared river resources. India and Bangladesh have long collaborated on transboundary river management, with discussions covering flood control, irrigation, water-sharing arrangements, and sustainable development. The continued engagement through institutional mechanisms demonstrates the importance both nations place on regional cooperation and mutual understanding.

The statements underline India’s dual approach in regional diplomacy — maintaining a tough position on issues related to national security while continuing constructive engagement with neighbouring countries on development and resource-sharing initiatives.

Bangladesh seeks China’s support in Teesta River restoration project

Beijing: Bangladesh’s new Government, headed by Tarique Rahman, has formally sought China’s involvement and support for the Teesta River restoration project, a move that may cast shadow on New Delhi-Dhaka ties. The issues concerning the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) were discussed in a meeting between Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday, according to state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) news agency. The Teesta River flows from the eastern Himalayas through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it is a key source of irrigation and livelihoods for millions of people.

Expressing support for the new Bangladesh Government, Wang said the bilateral relationship has withstood the test of changing international dynamics and grown increasingly mature and stable. China respects Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and national dignity.