India and Bangladesh Begin Talks to Renew Ganga Water Sharing Treaty Ahead of 2026 Expiry

India and Bangladesh have formally initiated discussions to renew the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, a landmark agreement that has governed the distribution of the Ganges River’s waters for the last three decades. The treaty, signed in 1996, is set to expire in December 2026, prompting both nations to engage in negotiations aimed at balancing domestic water demands with continued bilateral cooperation.

Farakka Barrage. File Image | Firstpost

The Origin and Significance of the Treaty

The roots of the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty lie in the disputes of the 1970s over water flows at the Farakka Barrage in India’s West Bengal. Constructed to divert water into the Hooghly River for navigation and port maintenance, the barrage became a source of tension with Bangladesh (then East Pakistan), which argued that reduced dry-season flows threatened its agriculture, fisheries, and ecology.

Following years of negotiation, and after interim agreements in the late 1970s and 1980s, India and Bangladesh signed the formal treaty in 1996. The agreement outlined the procedure for sharing the Ganges’ dry-season waters from January to May, with allocations determined based on river flow levels. When flows are low, water is shared equally; at higher levels, India receives a larger share, while the remainder is released to Bangladesh. The treaty also established the Joint Rivers Commission, ensuring technical cooperation and regular data sharing between the two countries.

Challenges and Criticism

While the treaty has provided a framework for predictable water distribution, it has also faced criticism from both sides. Bangladesh has often argued that the treaty does not adequately protect its interests during lean years, resulting in lower dry-season flows that negatively affect agriculture and the ecosystem. India, on the other hand, has expressed concerns about domestic water requirements for irrigation, industry, and urban consumption, particularly in West Bengal and other upstream regions.

Implementation challenges have arisen due to inaccurate flow projections and occasional non-fulfillment of guaranteed water releases. Environmental changes, climate variability, and rising water demand have added further complexity, prompting both countries to reconsider how the treaty could be updated to better reflect contemporary needs.

Renewal Talks and Key Considerations

As the 2026 expiry approaches, officials from New Delhi and Dhaka have begun technical discussions to lay the groundwork for renewal. Joint water measurements on the Ganga and the Padma, carried out between January and May in accordance with treaty procedures, are providing crucial data to inform negotiations.

Bangladesh has emphasized the importance of securing a longer-term agreement and more predictable allocations, with officials expressing hope for India’s cooperation in finalizing a renewed pact. India is reportedly considering a shorter treaty duration to allow flexibility in addressing changing water requirements and environmental conditions. Both nations are also likely to discuss broader cooperation on river management, including flood forecasting, dam maintenance, and potential inclusion of additional shared rivers in water-sharing frameworks.

The Larger Context of Water Diplomacy

The Ganga treaty renewal comes amid evolving regional water diplomacy. Shared rivers are critical in South Asia, where rivers cross borders and support agriculture, industry, and livelihoods for millions. The treaty’s outcome may influence not only the future of India-Bangladesh water cooperation but also negotiations on other shared rivers, such as the Teesta, which remains unresolved. The ability of both countries to adapt the treaty to modern challenges will be a test of enduring diplomatic trust and practical cooperation.

The MGMM Outlook

India and Bangladesh have begun discussions to renew the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, which has guided the allocation of the Ganges River’s waters since 1996. The treaty originated from disputes over the Farakka Barrage in the 1970s, which reduced dry-season flows to Bangladesh and impacted agriculture, fisheries, and ecology. The original agreement established a system for sharing water based on seasonal flows and created the Joint Rivers Commission to ensure technical cooperation and data exchange. While the treaty has provided a framework for predictable water distribution, challenges have persisted, including disagreements over allocations during lean years, rising domestic water demands in India, and environmental changes affecting river flows. Both countries now face the task of updating the treaty to reflect contemporary needs while maintaining cooperative management of the shared river.

Renewal talks are focusing on balancing predictable allocations with flexibility for changing conditions. Bangladesh has called for a longer-term agreement and more reliable water flows, while India is considering a shorter-term pact to adapt to domestic requirements and environmental challenges. Joint measurements on the Ganga and Padma are informing the negotiations, and broader river management cooperation, such as flood forecasting and dam maintenance, is also on the table. The outcome of these discussions will influence not only the bilateral water-sharing framework but also broader regional water diplomacy, highlighting the importance of sustained collaboration in managing transboundary rivers amid evolving ecological and developmental pressures.

(Sources: Firstpost, Moneycontrol, Times of India)