Amidst Hostile Ties, After Indus, Could Teesta Be India’s Retaliatory Move Against Bangladesh
West Bengal, India – India’s latest assertive method to safeguarding its nationwide pursuits is turning into more and more evident in its overseas coverage. Following a sample of decisive motion in opposition to perceived adversaries, hypothesis is rife that India may leverage the long-standing Teesta River water sharing dispute with Bangladesh as a punitive measure amidst more and more strained bilateral relations.
Key Takeaways:
- India’s diplomatic stance has shifted in direction of a extra retaliatory posture, as demonstrated by its response to the Pahalgam terror assault linked to Pakistan.
- In the aftermath of the assault, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, halted commerce, and considerably downgraded diplomatic relations.
- Bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated lately, with India reportedly curbing imports and narrowing exports, citing excessive inner demand.
- The Teesta River water sharing settlement stays unresolved, making it a possible instrument for India in its evolving relationship with Bangladesh.
- Experts consider {that a} political resolution is essential for resolving the Teesta subject, given its deep affect on each nations.
India’s agency stance on nationwide safety was sharply illustrated following the latest terror assault in Pahalgam. Accusing Pakistan of harboring and supporting terrorism, India swiftly applied a collection of stringent measures. As reported by Wikipedia, “On 23 April 2025, following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Government of India suspended the [Indus Waters] treaty, citing national security concerns and alleging Pakistan’s support of state-sponsored terrorism.” Furthermore, commerce relations had been severed, with the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) asserting a unanimous choice to utterly stop commerce with Pakistan, as acknowledged by information businesses like ANI.
An analogous hardening of stance appears to be rising in India’s dealings with Bangladesh. While in a roundabout way linked to a terror incident, the rising proximity between Bangladesh’s interim authorities and nations considered as difficult by India has seemingly triggered a recalibration of bilateral ties. According to a latest report by NDTV, “India-Bangladesh relations have nosedived dramatically after Yunus failed to contain attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country…1 India had previously permitted Bangladesh exports via all LCSs and ICP and seaports without undue restrictions. However, the neighbouring country imposed port curbs on Indian exports, particularly at LCSs and ICPs bordering northeast2 states.” This suggests a transfer in direction of proscribing commerce, doubtlessly mirroring the method taken with Pakistan.
In this context, the unresolved Teesta River water sharing dispute beneficial properties significance as a possible lever for India. The Teesta River originates in India and flows by West Bengal earlier than getting into Bangladesh, serving as an important supply of water for agriculture and irrigation in each international locations. The dispute over water allocation has been a long-standing subject. While a short lived settlement was reached in 1983, it was by no means formalized right into a everlasting treaty, leaving the matter unresolved, as detailed by Wikipedia.
Given the present diplomatic local weather, some analysts speculate that India may select to prioritize its water wants, particularly contemplating its heightened concentrate on nationwide pursuits, doubtlessly to the detriment of Bangladesh’s share of the Teesta’s water. While there was no official affirmation of such a transfer, the altered dynamics of the connection make this a believable situation within the eyes of some observers.
However, consultants emphasize the necessity for a diplomatic decision to the Teesta subject. Dr Ainun Nishat, local weather professional and BRAC University emeritus professor, in an interview with The Business Standard, acknowledged, “Ultimately, politicians must take the lead in finding solutions” to the Teesta water dispute. He highlighted the complexity of water administration and the need of bigger reservoirs to retain water throughout the wet season.
The unfolding scenario suggests a big shift in India’s overseas coverage in direction of its neighbors. While the financial and strategic implications of probably leveraging the Teesta dispute stay to be seen, the present trajectory signifies a willingness from India to undertake a extra assertive and doubtlessly retaliatory stance when its nationwide pursuits are perceived to be compromised.
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