India keeping eye on Chinese fighter jet prospects, economic corridor for Dhaka

India on Friday said it is keeping an eye on the recent developments in the China-Bangladesh ties including discussions on a tri-nation economic corridor and Dhaka potentially buying Chinese fighter jets

India’s Minister of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made remarks in this regard at an official weekly briefing, in the wake of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent bilateral tour to Beijing.

When asked about the issues discussed during Tarique’s tour, Randhir Jaiswal said India closely monitors all the happenings in its neighbouring countries, and “takes necessary measures at the right time.”

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India is also keeping a close watch on the potential impact of a new regional economic corridor linking China, Myanmar and Bangladesh, Jaiswal said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed establishing the economic corridor during a meeting with PM Tarique on the final day of the latter's Beijing tour. Later, Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said Dhaka was studying the proposal.

Reporters also asked Jaiswal about PM Tarique reportedly showing an interest in purchasing a “good number” of advanced Chinese fighter jets during the tour, the first such push by Dhaka.

Jaiswal said New Delhi scrutinises all “such discussions”, and takes appropriate steps as needed. He, however, declined to comment whether any such military purchase by Bangladesh poses a security risk for India.

According to multiple Indian media reports, Bangladesh sought to purchase the 4.5-generation multirole J-10CE fighter jets from China. On Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen did not comment on the issue during a press briefing held in the capital.

Jaiswal responded to queries regarding China's recent assurance of support for the proposed Teesta River management and restoration project, for which the Awami League government had agreed to work with New Delhi months before the regime was ousted.

“India’s development assistance for projects in Bangladesh is based on a mutually agreed roadmap, which is regularly reviewed,” Jaiswal said.

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"Our views on the Teesta River project have been previously conveyed to the Bangladesh side. We will factor all related developments in our overall approach to the Teesta issue,” the Indian spokesperson added.

In 2024, two months before her ouster in the July Uprising, then premier Sheikh Hasina visited India, where she announced Dhaka’s willingness to work with New Delhi on the Teesta River project. India also assured of extending support in this regard.

Since her ouster on 5 August 2024, Hasina has remained in self-exile in India.