Ganga Water Treaty Renewal: Expanding Scope for India-Bangladesh Water Diplomacy

Indian Express - Opinion · 30 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · International relations Mains · GS2 International relations High relevance

The 1996 Ganga Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh is set to expire, requiring renewal with expanded scope to address climate change, domestic politics, and shared river management beyond Farakka.

Key points

1996 Ganga Water Treaty established a flow-dependent 50:50 water-sharing arrangement at Farakka, but Bangladesh has consistently raised concerns about unmet dry season allocations.

Geopolitical shifts since 1996 necessitate a broader treaty framework incorporating climate resilience, Himalayan glacier management, and multi-river cooperation beyond just the Ganga.

[GS3-Environment] Climate change impacts like glacial retreat and hydrological extremes require the treaty to address shared vulnerabilities in water management and disaster preparedness.

Domestic political challenges in both nations complicate negotiations - Bangladesh faces anti-India sentiment while India must reconcile West Bengal's water needs and Bihar's flood concerns.

Teesta River dispute and other shared waterways will likely be integrated into the new agreement, moving beyond the Ganga-centric approach of 1996.

Institutional mechanisms like the Joint Rivers Commission require strengthening to handle expanded responsibilities in data sharing, dispute resolution, and ecological restoration.

[GS2-Governance] Federal diplomacy is crucial as Indian states (West Bengal, Bihar) have competing interests that must be reconciled with national foreign policy objectives.

Way Forward: The treaty should establish a permanent river basin organization with climate adaptation mandates, implement joint flood forecasting systems, and create transboundary ecological restoration funds to build mutual trust and long-term cooperation.

Key terms

Farakka Barrage

A dam on the Ganga in West Bengal, operational since 1975, that diverts water to the Hooghly River. Its construction sparked India-Bangladesh disputes leading to the 1996 treaty, exemplifying transboundary water governance challenges under international law.

Joint Rivers Commission

A bilateral India-Bangladesh institution established in 1972 to manage shared river resources. Its limited mandate focused on data exchange highlights the need for institutional reforms to address contemporary climate and governance challenges.

Riparian Rights

The principle governing water allocation among states sharing a river system. In international law, this involves balancing equitable utilization (UN Watercourses Convention) with the obligation not to cause significant harm to downstream nations like Bangladesh.

Track 2 Diplomacy

Unofficial dialogue channels involving academics, experts and former officials that complement formal negotiations. These played a crucial role in building trust for the 1996 treaty and remain vital for complex contemporary water disputes.