News: Bangladesh and China will conduct a feasibility study for the Teesta River Project; India has raised security concerns due to its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor.

Teesta River Dispute

• A water-sharing dispute between India and Bangladesh, mainly during the dry season (Dec–Mar).
• Bangladesh seeks a 50:50 share, while India seeks 55% for West Bengal's irrigation
• The 2011 draft agreement (India 42.5%, Bangladesh 37.5%) remains unimplemented.

Teesta River

• 414-km glacier-fed perennial river originating from Tso Lhamo Lake (Sikkim).
• Flows through Sikkim → West Bengal → Bangladesh, and joins the Brahmaputra (Jamuna).
• 83% of the basin lies in India and 17% in Bangladesh.
• Largest tributary: Rangeet River.
• Supports irrigation and agriculture in North Bengal and northern Bangladesh.

Siliguri Corridor (Chicken's Neck)

• A 20–22 km wide strip in West Bengal connecting mainland India to the Northeast.
• Flanked by Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
• India's only land link to the Northeast, making it strategically vital.