Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman seeks Chinese trade and river cooperation, raising India tensions

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made a four‑day visit to China in June 2026, meeting President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People. Rahman urged China to help narrow Bangladesh’s trade deficit, requesting imports of mangoes, jackfruit, guava, aquatic products, raw leather, jute and pharmaceuticals. He also asked for Chinese financing and technical support for major infrastructure, notably the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, which aims to dredge the river, reinforce embankments and improve irrigation in northern Bangladesh.

The two sides signed 13 memoranda of understanding covering trade, investment, green‑energy, digital economy, artificial intelligence and other emerging sectors, and discussed expanding Belt‑and‑Road cooperation. Bangladesh, which owes China about $6.2 billion, received pledges for additional investment, particularly in energy.

India reacted with concern, warning that increased Chinese activity near the Siliguri Corridor and the Teesta project could affect its strategic interests. Bangladesh’s foreign ministry labeled India’s explanation of a recent airport incident involving a Bangladeshi adviser as unsatisfactory, adding to diplomatic friction. Overall, the visit marked a deepening of Bangladesh‑China ties while intensifying regional rivalry with India.