---
title: "Teesta — Definition & Meaning | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Teesta is a 414-km river flowing from Sikkim to Bangladesh, where its water-sharing remains a major diplomatic issue between India and Bangladesh."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/teesta"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Teesta is a 414-kilometre trans-boundary river rising in Sikkim and flowing through West Bengal into Bangladesh, where its long-disputed water-sharing remains unresolved.
- Why has the Teesta water-sharing agreement not been signed despite being finalised in 2011?
- Which institution governs shared rivers between India and Bangladesh?
- Why is the Teesta strategically significant for India regarding China?
- What was the 1983 ad hoc arrangement on the Teesta?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 2011, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and India's Manmohan Singh were poised to sign the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement in Dhaka until West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee withdrew her support, shelving the deal.

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Lessons

[Geography Rivers Climate Vulnerability Disaster Management](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/bcs-bangladesh-affairs-geography-rivers-climate-vulnerability-disaster-management)[Bangladesh And India Rivers Trade Connectivity](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/bcs-bangladesh-in-world-bangladesh-and-india-rivers-trade-connectivity)

Courses

[Bcs Bangladesh Affairs](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/bcs-bangladesh-affairs)[Bcs Bangladesh In World](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/bcs-bangladesh-in-world)

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