Bangladesh’s PM Sheikh Hasina visits China after her India visit on 21-22 June. She is on a bilateral meeting in Beijing from 08-10 July. This is her fifth visit to China and first official meeting since her new term began after winning elections four consecutive times. She will have talks with top leadership in China, including President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The meetings will primarily focus on the prospects of trade and investments and infrastructure development, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation by elevating bilateral ties to new heights. Sheikh Hasina plans to seek financial aid for her country and repatriation of Rohingya. Consequently, they will sign and renew over 20 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and announce inauguration of multiple projects.
Bangladesh’s PM Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China is taking place after her visit to India just two weeks prior on 21-22 June. This indicates that Bangladesh intends to maintain close ties with both the major players in South Asia.
India is closely monitoring the bilateral meet
Bangladesh is the second-largest beneficiary of China’s investment after Pakistan. China is building its strong foothold in South Asia replacing India’s historical position. Bangladesh holds a key geographical position since it lies in close proximity to the Siliguri Corridor, also known as Chicken’s Neck.
The Teesta river water conflict has been one of the most contentious issues between India-Bangladesh ties. Bangladesh is planning to build a large reservoir on the Teesta river to conserve surplus water during monsoons. And China has shown keen interest in financing this project, which lies at a strategic location near Siliguri Corridor.
The Siliguri Corridor interconnects the Northeast states to mainland India, which has made India eager to join this project with Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s PM Sheikh Hasina’s trip to India in June, where PM Narendra Modi proposed assistance for conservation and management of the Teesta river.
India is closely monitoring the developments of this bilateral meeting. And how it will impact our own strategic interests.
Bangladesh’s PM Sheikh Hasina meetings are being seen as a balancing act
India-Bangladesh share close historical, cultural and linguistic ties. India’s military and financial support for Bangladesh’s liberation are well-known and regarded as the foundation of our bilateral relationship. And China is the biggest trading partner and a major investor in Bangladesh.
The Teesta Reservoir Project lies near a strategically important location in India, a time-tested friend of Bangladesh. Munshi Faiz Ahmed, who served as Bangladesh ambassador to China, said that India, China and the US are key countries in our foreign relations. He suggests that Bangladesh might request a joint participation from India and China in the Teesta Reservoir Project, adopting a balanced approach.
India-China tussle continues
India-China competes for strategic influence in regional and international affairs. China has secured access to key ports that lie in the strategic zone, the Indo-Pacific region. The list includes Gwadar Port in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka and Chittagong in Bangladesh. Then there is Port of Djibouti where China has set up a military base, lie near The Bab el Mandeb. China also shares close bilateral ties with the Military Junta in Myanmar. In Maldives, the current establishment is aligning more with China which worries Indian counterparts.
In an attempt to counterbalance China, India has gained access to operate the Chabahar Port in Iran and Sittwe Port in Myanmar. In May, India secured operational rights of a terminal in Mongla Port in Bangladesh. This will be India’s third international port operational access. India is also collaborating with the US and its allies to counterbalance China in its own backyard.
