Teesta Issue Explained: Can Bengal Result Unlock Deal As China Factor Raises Stakes

The 2026 Bengal election could become a turning point for the long-pending India-Bangladesh Teesta water-sharing deal. A BJP victory in West Bengal is being seen as a potential boost for New Delhi to push the agreement forward after years of political deadlock.But the issue is no longer just about water sharing. The growing China angle, including reported involvement in Bangladesh’s Teesta river project near the strategic Siliguri Corridor, has added a serious geopolitical dimension.With regional influence at stake, the Teesta deal is now tied to broader security concerns in South Asia. Can India move quickly to secure the pact and counter China’s growing presence in Bangladesh?