MEA asserts it will protect national interests amid Bangladesh’s review of 101 bilateral pacts

India will take all necessary measures to protect its national interests, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Friday. The declaration comes in response to reports indicating that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led administration in Dhaka is auditing 101 bilateral agreements signed during the previous Awami League government.

During a bi-weekly press briefing, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed an ANI query, noting that while New Delhi is aware of media reports concerning the pacts, Dhaka has not sent any official communication on the matter.

"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 stated.


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Following the departure of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is currently led by an interim cabinet alongside student movements. The BNP exerts substantial political influence in this transitional political setup.

Dhaka's administration is auditing approximately 101 bilateral agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) established during Hasina's 15-year tenure. Bangladeshi officials clarified that the review aims to align non-binding MoUs and infrastructure terms with Bangladesh's national interests, emphasizing that projects are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis rather than through blanket cancellations.

Key areas under review include:

Under earlier agreements, India gained access to transport cargo to its landlocked Northeastern states via Bangladesh’s Chattogram and Mongla ports. Authorities in Dhaka are reviewing transit fees and route privileges, arguing that prior terms were unbalanced. A complete revocation remains unlikely due to potential revenue, though fee restructurings or administrative delays could raise transit costs for India.

Bangladesh relies on imported power, including cross-border diesel pipelines and cross-border supplies from India's Adani Power plant in Godda. Foreign exchange constraints in Dhaka have led to payment delays and requests for financial renegotiation regarding power purchase agreements. While full cancellations are unlikely given Bangladesh's immediate energy needs, supply disruptions remain a risk.

India previously extended over $7 billion across multiple Lines of Credit for road, rail, and port infrastructure in Bangladesh. Several Indian-funded initiatives—such as the Ashuganj-Akhaura road expansion project—are currently undergoing feasibility audits by Dhaka's planning ministry. Delays, changes in procurement clauses, or the cancellation of uncommitted funds could stall the deployment of Indian capital.

During Hasina's administration, Dhaka consistently denied shelter to anti-India insurgent groups along the shared border. While border security cooperation remains operational, recent political shifts have introduced uncertainty. New Delhi continues to rely on Bangladeshi security forces to curb illegal migration, cross-border smuggling, and any resurgence of anti-India militant factions.

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Concurrently, foreign policy leadership in Dhaka is seeking to move away from an "India-heavy focus" toward a broader foreign policy strategy that balances relations with regional players, including China, the United States, and ASEAN. In response, New Delhi is maintaining a pragmatic approach by keeping communication channels open while observing how the interim administration manages cross-border supply lines, extradition matters, and energy commitments.

Spokesperson Jaiswal also addressed questions regarding water-sharing agreements, specifically the impending expiration of the 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty. Signed on December 12, 1996, the treaty governs dry-season water sharing at the Farakka Barrage and is set to expire in December 2026.

Responding to queries about the timeline for the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) to ratify negotiations ahead of a prime ministerial signature, Jaiswal affirmed that institutional mechanisms between the two nations remain active.

"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 affirmed.

India and Bangladesh share a total of 54 rivers. Addressing questions regarding the Teesta River and other shared water resources, Jaiswal noted:

"There are several rivers which are shared between Bangladesh and India. In fact, to be precise, to pinpoint the numbers, 54 rivers are shared between the two countries. And all water-related collaboration or discussions that have to happen between the two countries, they have to be done through the bilateral Joint Rivers Commission or Joint Rivers Commission that we have with Bangladesh, along with the structured dialogue mechanisms that are in place."

The Teesta water-sharing issue remains unresolved despite multiple rounds of bilateral talks:

A proposed 2011 agreement sought to allocate 42.5% of Teesta waters to India and 37.5% to Bangladesh, with the remaining allocation reserved for other considerations. The agreement failed to materialize due to opposition from then-West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

In February, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Lok Sabha that formal talks on renewing the agreement had not yet commenced. However, Bangladeshi officials indicated in May that discussions regarding the agreement's renewal were underway between the two sides.

New Delhi maintains that all water-related matters with Dhaka will continue to be managed through established, periodic bilateral mechanisms.