India on Friday said it would take necessary steps to protect its national interests amid reports that Bangladesh is reviewing 101 bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding signed during the
previous Awami League government.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had not received any official communication from Dhaka about the reported review.
“We also have seen some media reports on this matter, but nothing has been conveyed to us officially. Obviously, India will take all necessary actions to protect its interests,” Jaiswal said during the MEA’s weekly media briefing.
Reports from Bangladesh said the agreements are being examined to determine whether their provisions, particularly those linked to infrastructure and other projects, serve the country’s national interests.
The review does not mean that all 101 agreements will be cancelled. Individual agreements and projects are being assessed separately.
Several of the pacts cover connectivity, trade, energy and development cooperation. India has extended more than $7 billion in Lines of Credit for infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, including rail, road and port connectivity.
The reported review comes as Dhaka reassesses its engagement with New Delhi following the change in government in Bangladesh.
Ganga Water Treaty Also Under Discussion
Jaiswal also spoke about the 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, which is due to expire in December 2026 after completing its 30 year term.
He said existing mechanisms between the two countries for discussing water related matters continue to function.
“In the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between Bangladesh and India, we have the Joint Rivers Commission mechanism to discuss all water-related issues. Technical-level meetings on water matters continue to be held,” Jaiswal said.
India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, and water sharing issues are discussed through the Joint Rivers Commission and other established bilateral mechanisms.
