The Teesta River project, aimed at developing the 414 km long river basin flowing from India into Bangladesh, has long been a contentious issue between the two neighbors. While China, true to its modus operandi of swooping in on regional disputes, swiftly conducted a feasibility study and made an offer, Hasina's government has wisely seen through Beijing's thinly veiled attempt to gain a strategic foothold in the region.

"After this is done, we will take what is appropriate for us. But I would give greater priority to this being done by India because India has held up the Teesta's waters," the Bangladesh Prime Minister emphasized, deftly sidestepping China's debt-trap diplomacy that has ensnared numerous countries across Asia and Africa.

This preference for India is not merely a matter of geographical proximity or historical ties. It represents a clear-eyed assessment of the geopolitical ramifications of allowing that country to sink its claws into critical infrastructure projects near the Indian border. India had previously voiced legitimate security concerns about Chinese engineers operating in close proximity to its borders, a scenario that could potentially compromise national security. By choosing India, Bangladesh is not only addressing these valid concerns but also fostering a climate of mutual trust and cooperation with its largest neighbor, while simultaneously rebuffing China's insidious attempts to expand its influence.

The decision also lays bare Bangladesh's astute diplomatic maneuvering. By leveraging China's interest in the project, Hasina's government has effectively pressured India to be more proactive in addressing long-standing issues, particularly water-sharing agreements. "If they have to give us the water, they should implement the project. If they do the project, they will give us what we need," Hasina stated, showcasing a strategic approach to resolving disputes through collaboration rather than succumbing to divisive tactics.

India's positive response to this overture stands in stark contrast to China's typically heavy-handed approach. During Hasina's visit to New Delhi in June, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that an Indian technical team would soon visit Dhaka for talks on the conservation and management of the Teesta. This move signifies India's commitment to addressing Bangladesh's concerns through dialogue and mutual respect, a far cry from China's often unilateral and opaque decision-making processes.

Bangladesh's preference for India over China in this crucial project is a damning indictment of China's economic diplomacy in the region. China's pursuit of infrastructure projects through its Belt and Road Initiative has raised alarming concerns about debt traps and loss of strategic assets in several countries. From Sri Lanka's Hambantota port to Pakistan's Gwadar, the region is littered with examples of China's predatory economic practices. Bangladesh's decision reflects a growing awareness among South Asian nations of the need to reassess their engagement with China and seek more balanced partnerships.

In contrast, India's approach to regional cooperation has been more transparent and respectful of its neighbors' sovereignty. The Indian government's willingness to engage in dialogue and find mutually beneficial solutions stands as a beacon of responsible partnership, especially when juxtaposed with China's often exploitative and self-serving agenda.

The Teesta project also brings into sharp focus the complexities of water-sharing agreements in South Asia. India and Bangladesh share around 54 rivers, with Teesta being one of the most contentious. While the inability to conclude a water-sharing agreement due to objections from the West Bengal government underscores the challenges of federal politics in international agreements, it pales in comparison to the potential risks of allowing China to meddle in these sensitive issues.

Prime Minister Hasina's decision is likely to have far-reaching implications for regional dynamics. It sends a clear message to China that its economic might and manipulative tactics are no longer sufficient to sway strategic decisions in South Asia. For India, it presents an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to neighborly relations and its ability to execute large-scale infrastructure projects efficiently, without the baggage of ulterior motives that typically accompany Chinese investments.

The move also aligns with India's broader strategy of countering China's increasingly aggressive posture in its immediate neighborhood. By taking on the Teesta project, India can showcase its technological capabilities and project management skills, potentially opening doors for more infrastructure collaborations in the region while simultaneously closing them on China's expansionist ambitions.

As Bangladesh trades its development path, the choice between India and China for the Teesta project symbolizes a larger shift in its foreign policy orientation. It reflects a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical landscape and a desire to maintain strategic autonomy while fostering closer ties with India, free from the strings that inevitably come attached to Chinese "assistance."

Bangladesh's rejection of China in favor of India for the Teesta River project marks a significant milestone in South Asian geopolitics. It underscores the growing trust between India and Bangladesh, deals a blow to China's economic diplomacy in the region, and sets the stage for enhanced regional cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests. As this partnership evolves, it has the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape of South Asia, promoting stability, mutual growth, and shared prosperity, while serving as a bulwark against destabilizing influence in the region.