Published: 12:40 AM, 13 May 2026
'India keenly observes all global phenomena including Khalilur's China visit'
India on Tuesday said it closely follows all the developments that happen around the world, and it did the same in relations to the trip made by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman to China recently. "As practitioners of international relations and diplomats here, and as officers at the Ministry of External Affairs, we closely follow all the developments that happen around the world, and we continue to do so in relation to the trip that you mentioned," Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a regular briefing in New Delhi.
The MEA Spokesperson also mentioned that India's relations with its neighbouring countries stand on their own, keeping in view their mutual interests.
"So that is where it is," he said.
The Spokesperson made the remarks when an Indian journalist drew his attention to Dr Khalilur Rahman's visit to China and discussions over the Teesta project.
At the invitation of Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of China, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur visited China from May 5 to 7, during which the two sides held talks in Beijing.
Bangladesh had a "very good and positive" discussion with China regarding the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), said PM Tarique Rahman's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, adding that China's EXIM Bank showed interest in financing the project.
"There was a discussion on the Teesta Project, though not in full detail. I would say we had a positive discussion. China's EXIM Bank has shown interest in financing the Teesta Project," Humayun Kabir told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Asked when work on the Teesta project would begin, the Adviser, who accompanied Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman during the recent China visit, said the study report is currently being reviewed and the recommendations are being examined.
Adviser Humayun Kabir said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will definitely visit China "at some point," but the timing and itinerary of the Prime Minister's first bilateral visit abroad have not yet been finalized.
"Once finalized, we will let you know. At some point, the Prime Minister will visit China, which remains an important development partner for Bangladesh," he said.
The Adviser made the remarks amid speculation that the Prime Minister may visit China first, potentially linked to developments related to the Teesta project.
Both sides agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen exchanges and collaboration in areas including trade, investment, industry, the digital economy, water resources, health, and people-to-people connectivity.
Bangladesh also expressed appreciation for China's long-standing support for the country's development, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Humayun Kabir said Bangladesh's relations with China are historic and that the relationship was initiated by former President Ziaur Rahman.
