China is giving Dhaka a loan of $1 billion for the Teesta river management project.

Teesta is the fourth-largest trans-boundary river in Bangladesh and flows through five northern districts - Gaibandha, Kurigram, 
Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Rangpur.

At least 21 million people in Bangladesh are dependant on the Teesta river. Now, China is helping Bangladesh with the management project for the river with work expected to start in December.&nbsp;Reports say it was Bangladesh that asked China for $983 million loan.

The river, however, in no way concerns China. Beijing is concerned with just two things - it gets to debt-trap Bangladesh and it is an opportunity for China to control one of India's allies.

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Teesta originates in India in Tsolamo. The river flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. It is one of the 54 rivers that enter Bangladesh from India.

The Teesta has been a source of discord between the two countries with negotiations on water sharing dating back to 1951 when Bangladesh was East Pakistan.

Seven decades and a new country later, the negotiations have not quite reached a fruitful end. The negotiations were expedited in 2009 but the water-sharing deal is still pending. Now Bangladesh claims that because of a particular dam on the Indian side the flow of the river is reduced during winters which lead to two-month-long water crisis every year.

Bangladesh has painted India in a bad light and for China it spells an opportunity. It is the first time China is getting involved in a river management project in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

The Teesta river crisis is China's opportunity to test waters and an opportunity to whip up an anti-India sentiment, it is almost Nepal deja vu and the bad news is that so far it appears to be working.

New Delhi has sent its foreign secretary to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla on a day-long visit to Dhaka. India's foreign secretary is expected to call on Prime minister Sheikh Hasina and foreign minister Abdul Momen.

India will also be handing over around 10 broad gauge diesel locomotives to Dhaka.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, sources say the Teesta project is just one of the many projects that China is funding in Bangladesh. There are at least nine others with the total amount of loan reportedly at $6 billion. It is over and above the $22 billion Chinese loans that Bangladesh has already received, according to Bangladesh media.

China is giving Dhaka a loan of $1 billion for the Teesta river management project. Teesta is the fourth-largest trans-boundary river in Bangladesh and flows through five northern districts - Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Rangpur.

China is giving Dhaka a loan of $1 billion for the Teesta river management project. Teesta is the fourth-largest trans-boundary river in Bangladesh and flows through five northern districts - Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Rangpur. At least 21 million people in Bangladesh are dependant on the Teesta river. Now, China is helping Bangladesh with the management project for the river with work expected to start in December. Reports say it was Bangladesh that asked China for $983 million loan. The river, however, in no way concerns China. Beijing is concerned with just two things - it gets to debt-trap Bangladesh and it is an opportunity for China to control one of India's allies. Teesta originates in India in Tsolamo. The river flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. It is one of the 54 rivers that enter Bangladesh from India. The Teesta has been a source of discord between the two countries with negotiations on water sharing dating back to 1951 when Bangladesh was East Pakistan. Seven decades and a new country later, the negotiations have not quite reached a fruitful end. The negotiations were expedited in 2009 but the water-sharing deal is still pending. Now Bangladesh claims that because of a particular dam on the Indian side the flow of the river is reduced during winters which lead to two-month-long water crisis every year. Bangladesh has painted India in a bad light and for China it spells an opportunity. It is the first time China is getting involved in a river management project in Bangladesh. The Teesta river crisis is China's opportunity to test waters and an opportunity to whip up an anti-India sentiment, it is almost Nepal deja vu and the bad news is that so far it appears to be working. New Delhi has sent its foreign secretary to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla on a day-long visit to Dhaka. India's foreign secretary is expected to call on Prime minister Sheikh Hasina and foreign minister Abdul Momen. India will also be handing over around 10 broad gauge diesel locomotives to Dhaka. Meanwhile, sources say the Teesta project is just one of the many projects that China is funding in Bangladesh. There are at least nine others with the total amount of loan reportedly at $6 billion. It is over and above the $22 billion Chinese loans that Bangladesh has already received, according to Bangladesh media.

Now, China gives loan to Bangladesh for Teesta river project

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the people of her country were awaiting early signing and the implementation of the Framework of Interim Agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters.

The joint statement issued after her talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the visiting leader referred to the framework "agreed by both the governments in 2011."

Prime Minister Modi informed her that the government was working with all stakeholders for an early conclusion of the agreement.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted that the people of Bangladesh are awaiting early signing and implementation of the Framework of Interim Agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both governments in 2011," said the statement.

"Prime Minister Modi informed that his government is working with all stakeholders in India for the conclusion of the Agreement soonest possible," added the statement.

Both leaders appreciated the decision taken in the Water Resources Secretary-level meeting in Dhaka for the early start of the work on withdrawal of 1.82 cusecs of water from the Feni river for drinking purposes of the people of Sabroom town of Tripura.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the people of her country were awaiting early signing and the implementation of the Framework of Interim Agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the people of her country were awaiting early signing and the implementation of the Framework of Interim Agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters. The joint statement issued after her talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the visiting leader referred to the framework "agreed by both the governments in 2011." Prime Minister Modi informed her that the government was working with all stakeholders for an early conclusion of the agreement. "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted that the people of Bangladesh are awaiting early signing and implementation of the Framework of Interim Agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both governments in 2011," said the statement. "Prime Minister Modi informed that his government is working with all stakeholders in India for the conclusion of the Agreement soonest possible," added the statement. Both leaders appreciated the decision taken in the Water Resources Secretary-level meeting in Dhaka for the early start of the work on withdrawal of 1.82 cusecs of water from the Feni river for drinking purposes of the people of Sabroom town of Tripura.

Bangladesh PM calls for early signing of framework interim agreement on Teesta river

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has arrived in India on a 4 day India visit, the first since her landslide victory in December of 2018. Minister of State for Women and Child Development Debasree Chaudhuri, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, Bangladesh's HC Syed Muazzem Ali and JS (Bangladesh Myanmar) in the Ministry of external affairs Vikram Doraiswami received the Bangladeshi PM at the airport.

During the visit around a dozen of bilateral agreements will be signed and focus will be on increasing bilateral cooperation including discussing several issues like Teesta river water sharing, Rohingya issue &amp; NRC.

"We expect that the PM’s visit to India will further enhance the bilateral relations...We will discuss a framework agreement on the Teesta and seven other common rivers", Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen was quoted by Bangladeshi media.

On the Rohingya issue, Momen said, "If the Rohingya crisis prolongs, there may be pockets of radicalisation...We want to convey this message to India"

The NRC or citizens register development in Assam will also be raised with Momen saying, "We have trust in what the Indian authorities told us. Yet, we will raise the issue"

The Indian side, including Prime Minister Modi and External affairs minister S Jaishankar have already assured the Bangladeshi side to not worry on the developments in Assam and it will not impact Dhaka.

Saturday will be the main day of engagement with PM Hasina holding bilateral talks with PM Modi and calling on President Ram Nath Kovind. The two&nbsp;Prime Ministers will jointly inaugurate three bilateral projects via video link.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the Chief Guest at the India Economic Summit organized by the World Economic Forum on October&nbsp;03-04, 2019.

Hasina will also meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Shyam Benegal. Remember Benegal is the director of the joint India Bangladesh film which is being planned on the Father of Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The visit comes a week after PM Modi met Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New York on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

A ministry of external affairs release said, "The two leaders reviewed the excellent state of bilateral relations and cooperation, and agreed to maintain the momentum to take the India-Bangladesh relationship to new heights".

Both the leaders "reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and violent extremism" and "agreed that a strong partnership in security had built trust and mutual confidence between the two countries."

Sheikh Hasina also participated in the special commemorative event organized by India to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi at the united nations last Tuesday.

There has been a number of high-level engagements between the two&nbsp;countries. PM Modi visited the country in 2015, it was followed by PM Hasina's India visit in 2016 for BRICS-BIMSTEC summit in 2016 and state visit in 2017. PM Hasina again visited in India in 2018 for the joint inauguration of Bangladesh Bhaban at Santiniketan University. During her visit, she was awarded a Doctor of Literature (D.Lit) by Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol.

PM Modi was one of the first global leaders to congratulate PM Hasina for her election victory on 30th December 2018. Last month EAM Jaishankar visited the country and met the top leadership.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has arrived in India on a 4 day India visit, the first since her landslide victory in December of 2018. Minister of State for Women and Child Development Debasree Chaudhuri, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, Bangladesh's HC Syed Muazzem Ali and JS (Bangladesh Myanmar) in the Ministry of external affairs Vikram Doraiswami received the Bangladeshi PM at the airport.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has arrived in India on a 4 day India visit, the first since her landslide victory in December of 2018. Minister of State for Women and Child Development Debasree Chaudhuri, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, Bangladesh's HC Syed Muazzem Ali and JS (Bangladesh Myanmar) in the Ministry of external affairs Vikram Doraiswami received the Bangladeshi PM at the airport. During the visit around a dozen of bilateral agreements will be signed and focus will be on increasing bilateral cooperation including discussing several issues like Teesta river water sharing, Rohingya issue & NRC. "We expect that the PM’s visit to India will further enhance the bilateral relations...We will discuss a framework agreement on the Teesta and seven other common rivers", Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen was quoted by Bangladeshi media. On the Rohingya issue, Momen said, "If the Rohingya crisis prolongs, there may be pockets of radicalisation...We want to convey this message to India" The NRC or citizens register development in Assam will also be raised with Momen saying, "We have trust in what the Indian authorities told us. Yet, we will raise the issue" The Indian side, including Prime Minister Modi and External affairs minister S Jaishankar have already assured the Bangladeshi side to not worry on the developments in Assam and it will not impact Dhaka. Saturday will be the main day of engagement with PM Hasina holding bilateral talks with PM Modi and calling on President Ram Nath Kovind. The two Prime Ministers will jointly inaugurate three bilateral projects via video link. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the Chief Guest at the India Economic Summit organized by the World Economic Forum on October 03-04, 2019. Hasina will also meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Shyam Benegal. Remember Benegal is the director of the joint India Bangladesh film which is being planned on the Father of Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The visit comes a week after PM Modi met Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New York on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly. A ministry of external affairs release said, "The two leaders reviewed the excellent state of bilateral relations and cooperation, and agreed to maintain the momentum to take the India-Bangladesh relationship to new heights". Both the leaders "reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and violent extremism" and "agreed that a strong partnership in security had built trust and mutual confidence between the two countries." Sheikh Hasina also participated in the special commemorative event organized by India to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi at the united nations last Tuesday. There has been a number of high-level engagements between the two countries. PM Modi visited the country in 2015, it was followed by PM Hasina's India visit in 2016 for BRICS-BIMSTEC summit in 2016 and state visit in 2017. PM Hasina again visited in India in 2018 for the joint inauguration of Bangladesh Bhaban at Santiniketan University. During her visit, she was awarded a Doctor of Literature (D.Lit) by Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol. PM Modi was one of the first global leaders to congratulate PM Hasina for her election victory on 30th December 2018. Last month EAM Jaishankar visited the country and met the top leadership.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina arrives in India on 4-day visit; Teesta water sharing, Rohingya issue on agenda

After a meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart A K Abdul Momen, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said there is "no change" in India's position on the proposed Teesta water-sharing agreement between New Delhi and Dhaka.

"We have a position. We have a commitment to that position. There is no change," he told the media after his meeting with Momen at the state guest house Jamuna, reported Dhaka Tribune.

Sharing of water of the Teesta River, which originates from Sikkim and flows through West Bengal to merge with the Brahmaputra in Assam and Jamuna in Bangladesh, is the most contentious issue between New Delhi and Dhaka. While Bangladesh has demanded 50 per cent of the river's water supply from December to March, India has claimed a share of 55 per cent.

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Bangladesh: Speaking to media after bilateral discussions, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that he had a fruitful interaction with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen 
and India is looking forward to host Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi in October. <a href="https://t.co/rF5QDtA5Kc">pic.twitter.com/rF5QDtA5Kc</a>
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Previously, the Teesta water agreement was slated to be inked between the two countries on September 6, 2011, during the visit of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Dhaka.

But the proposed deal was called off after repeated objections by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The water-sharing issue was once again discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dhaka in June 2015.

Modi had assured his Bangladeshi counterpart, Shiekh Hasina, that the waters of the river would be shared while looking forward to achieving a quick resolution to the issue.

Jaishnakar, who is on a three-day visit to Bangladesh, held "fruitful interaction" with Momen on a wide range of bilateral issues including Rohingyas and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to New Delhi in October.

The External Affairs Minister said India is looking forward to host her. Jaishankar described Bangladesh-India relations as a model for other South Asian countries.

"Speaking to the media after the bilateral discussions #JamunaGuestHouse, EAM @DrSJaishankar said that he had a fruitful interaction with Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. @AKAbdulMomen and that #India is looking forward to host Prime Minister H.E. Sheikh Hasina in #NewDelhi in October," the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh tweeted.

While speaking on the issue of Rohingyas, Jaishankar said Bangladesh and India have agreed upon their "safe, speedy and sustainable <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-agency-bangladesh-begin-survey-of-rohingya-over-return-to-myanmar-244372">return" to Myanmar</a>.

More than 700,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar's western Rakhine state after a military crackdown that started in August last year. Many of them entered Bangladesh and are living there since then.

Jaishankar is scheduled to meet Hasina. Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, Riva Ganguly Das, will be hosting a private dinner for the minister tonight.&nbsp;

After a meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart A K Abdul Momen, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said there is "no change" in India's position on the proposed Teesta water-sharing agreement between New Delhi and Dhaka.

After a meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart A K Abdul Momen, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said there is "no change" in India's position on the proposed Teesta water-sharing agreement between New Delhi and Dhaka. "We have a position. We have a commitment to that position. There is no change," he told the media after his meeting with Momen at the state guest house Jamuna, reported Dhaka Tribune. Sharing of water of the Teesta River, which originates from Sikkim and flows through West Bengal to merge with the Brahmaputra in Assam and Jamuna in Bangladesh, is the most contentious issue between New Delhi and Dhaka. While Bangladesh has demanded 50 per cent of the river's water supply from December to March, India has claimed a share of 55 per cent. Bangladesh: Speaking to media after bilateral discussions, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that he had a fruitful interaction with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and India is looking forward to host Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi in October. pic.twitter.com/rF5QDtA5Kc — ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2019 × Previously, the Teesta water agreement was slated to be inked between the two countries on September 6, 2011, during the visit of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Dhaka. But the proposed deal was called off after repeated objections by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The water-sharing issue was once again discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dhaka in June 2015. Modi had assured his Bangladeshi counterpart, Shiekh Hasina, that the waters of the river would be shared while looking forward to achieving a quick resolution to the issue. Jaishnakar, who is on a three-day visit to Bangladesh, held "fruitful interaction" with Momen on a wide range of bilateral issues including Rohingyas and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to New Delhi in October. The External Affairs Minister said India is looking forward to host her. Jaishankar described Bangladesh-India relations as a model for other South Asian countries. "Speaking to the media after the bilateral discussions #JamunaGuestHouse, EAM @DrSJaishankar said that he had a fruitful interaction with Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. @AKAbdulMomen and that #India is looking forward to host Prime Minister H.E. Sheikh Hasina in #NewDelhi in October," the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh tweeted. While speaking on the issue of Rohingyas, Jaishankar said Bangladesh and India have agreed upon their "safe, speedy and sustainable return" to Myanmar. More than 700,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar's western Rakhine state after a military crackdown that started in August last year. Many of them entered Bangladesh and are living there since then. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet Hasina. Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, Riva Ganguly Das, will be hosting a private dinner for the minister tonight.

'No change' in Teesta water-sharing agreement with Bangladesh: S Jaishankar

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A record investment package being prepared by Saudi Arabia for Pakistan will likely provide welcome relief for its cash-strapped Muslim ally, while also addressing regional geopolitical challenges, analysts say.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/heavy-clashes-as-us-backed-forces-battle-is-in-syria-report-196387">'Heavy clashes' as US-backed forces battle Islamic State in Syria: Report</a>

US-backed forces were locked in fierce fighting as they pressed the battle against the last shred of the Islamic State group's "caliphate" in eastern Syria on Sunday, a war monitor said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-hopeful-on-indias-assurance-over-teesta-water-sharing-issue-196415">Bangladesh hopeful on India's assurance over Teesta water-sharing issue</a>

Bangladesh is hopeful over the assurance that was given by India over the contentious dispute on the water-sharing issue of Teesta river, flowing on the India-Bangladesh border.

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New Zealand beat India by four runs in Sunday's Twenty20 match at Hamilton to take the series 2-1. The hosts were sent in to bat first and made 212 for four, with Colin Munro making 72 off 40 deliveries.&nbsp;

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The decade from 2014 to 2023 could end up being the warmest in over 150 years of records, say scientists who predict that the global average surface temperature for the next five years will be one degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Saudi Arabia planning record investments to aid cash-strapped Pakistan A record investment package being prepared by Saudi Arabia for Pakistan will likely provide welcome relief for its cash-strapped Muslim ally, while also addressing regional geopolitical challenges, analysts say.

Saudi Arabia planning record investments to aid cash-strapped Pakistan A record investment package being prepared by Saudi Arabia for Pakistan will likely provide welcome relief for its cash-strapped Muslim ally, while also addressing regional geopolitical challenges, analysts say. 'Heavy clashes' as US-backed forces battle Islamic State in Syria: Report US-backed forces were locked in fierce fighting as they pressed the battle against the last shred of the Islamic State group's "caliphate" in eastern Syria on Sunday, a war monitor said. Bangladesh hopeful on India's assurance over Teesta water-sharing issue Bangladesh is hopeful over the assurance that was given by India over the contentious dispute on the water-sharing issue of Teesta river, flowing on the India-Bangladesh border. New Zealand beat India by four runs in third T20, take series New Zealand beat India by four runs in Sunday's Twenty20 match at Hamilton to take the series 2-1. The hosts were sent in to bat first and made 212 for four, with Colin Munro making 72 off 40 deliveries. 'Earth may be experiencing warmest decade on record,' say experts The decade from 2014 to 2023 could end up being the warmest in over 150 years of records, say scientists who predict that the global average surface temperature for the next five years will be one degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Bangladesh is hopeful over the assurance that was given by India over the contentious dispute on the water-sharing issue of Teesta river, flowing on the India-Bangladesh border.

The Dhaka Tribune quoted Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen while briefing the media at the VIP lounge of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from India on Saturday, as saying, “I am always hopeful. India and Bangladesh have solved many big problems. Based on this hope we have developed a sense of confidence and sense of mutual trust. I believe in that. And, they have assured us and I very much believe in that.”

“Not only Teesta; we have many rivers. Why are we only talking about this river? 54 (common) rivers are in our discussions. Slowly, we’ll solve (issues related to) all of them. In terms of a solution, we have advanced a lot. Time is passing, but it will be done. There is no cause for worry,” he added.

The Foreign Minister, however, did not confirm any specific date for the Teesta agreement, stating that Bangladesh is only hopeful that the two neighbouring countries would successfully sign the deal very soon.

“I cannot give any date. We are only hoping,” Momen said.

“We discussed all the common rivers, including Teesta, and we are hopeful,” he told another questioner,” the Foreign Minister added.

Previously, the Teesta water agreement was slated to be inked between the two countries on September 6, 2011, during the visit of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka. But the proposed deal was called off after repeated objections by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The water-sharing issue was once again discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dhaka in June 2015. Prime Minister Modi had assured Shiekh Hasina of Bangladesh that the waters of the River would be shared while looking forward to achieving a quick resolution on the issue.

India and Bangladesh share 54 common streams with the Teesta being a major one and the water sharing dispute between the two neighbours is not something new.

The Teesta River is a 309 km long river flowing through Sikkim.

It carves a way for itself through the verdant Himalayas in temperate and tropical river valleys and forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal.

The flow of the river is crucial for Bangladesh from December to March for that they require 50 per cent of the river's water supply.

While India claims a share of 55 per cent.

The dispute would take back to the time when Independent India was formed which reduced most of its northern rivers into 'shared water bodies.'&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Bangladesh is hopeful over the assurance that was given by India over the contentious dispute on the water-sharing issue of Teesta river, flowing on the India-Bangladesh border.

Bangladesh is hopeful over the assurance that was given by India over the contentious dispute on the water-sharing issue of Teesta river, flowing on the India-Bangladesh border. The Dhaka Tribune quoted Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen while briefing the media at the VIP lounge of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from India on Saturday, as saying, “I am always hopeful. India and Bangladesh have solved many big problems. Based on this hope we have developed a sense of confidence and sense of mutual trust. I believe in that. And, they have assured us and I very much believe in that.” “Not only Teesta; we have many rivers. Why are we only talking about this river? 54 (common) rivers are in our discussions. Slowly, we’ll solve (issues related to) all of them. In terms of a solution, we have advanced a lot. Time is passing, but it will be done. There is no cause for worry,” he added. The Foreign Minister, however, did not confirm any specific date for the Teesta agreement, stating that Bangladesh is only hopeful that the two neighbouring countries would successfully sign the deal very soon. “I cannot give any date. We are only hoping,” Momen said. “We discussed all the common rivers, including Teesta, and we are hopeful,” he told another questioner,” the Foreign Minister added. Previously, the Teesta water agreement was slated to be inked between the two countries on September 6, 2011, during the visit of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka. But the proposed deal was called off after repeated objections by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The water-sharing issue was once again discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dhaka in June 2015. Prime Minister Modi had assured Shiekh Hasina of Bangladesh that the waters of the River would be shared while looking forward to achieving a quick resolution on the issue. India and Bangladesh share 54 common streams with the Teesta being a major one and the water sharing dispute between the two neighbours is not something new. The Teesta River is a 309 km long river flowing through Sikkim. It carves a way for itself through the verdant Himalayas in temperate and tropical river valleys and forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal. The flow of the river is crucial for Bangladesh from December to March for that they require 50 per cent of the river's water supply. While India claims a share of 55 per cent. The dispute would take back to the time when Independent India was formed which reduced most of its northern rivers into 'shared water bodies.'

Bangladesh hopeful on India's assurance over Teesta water-sharing issue

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