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India–Bangladesh Water-Sharing Talks

08 Sep 2025 GS 2 International Relations
India–Bangladesh Water-Sharing Talks Click to view full image

Background

  • India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, many of which are transboundary.

  • The Joint Rivers Commission (JRC), established in 1972, is the institutional mechanism for bilateral water cooperation.

  • The most important agreement so far is the Ganga Waters Treaty (1996), signed by Sheikh Hasina and H.D. Deve Gowda, with a 30-year validity (till 2026).

Current development:

The India-Bangladesh Joint River Commission is set to meet in Delhi, amid ongoing tensions between the two countries. 

Dhaka plans to send a 10-member team to raise its concerns about water sharing of 14 cross-border rivers.

  • Focus Areas:

    1. Renewal of the Ganga Waters Treaty (2026).

      • Dhaka wants a longer renewal timeframe and changes in India’s use of river waters.

    2. Water-sharing of 14 smaller rivers, including:

      • Muhuri, Khowai, Gomti, Dharla, Doodhkumar.

    3. Joint Flood Forecasting Mechanism.

      • To better manage monsoon floods affecting millions in both countries.

Strategic & Political Dimensions

  • Bangladesh Context:

    • Talks come ahead of its first election since the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina (Aug 2024).

    • Dhaka wants to demonstrate strong bargaining power on water rights.

  • India’s Concerns:

    • Water-sharing issues are politically sensitive in Indian states like West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam.

    • Balancing domestic federal pressures with international commitments remains a challenge.

Past Agreements & Challenges

  • Ganga Waters Treaty (1996):

    • Ensured equitable distribution of the Ganga’s dry season flow at Farakka.

    • Regarded as a landmark in bilateral ties, but Bangladesh often raised concerns about reduced flow.

  • Teesta River Dispute:

    • Agreement drafted in 2011 but not signed due to opposition from West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

    • Continues to be a major unresolved issue.

  • Floods & Climate Change:

    • Frequent floods and riverbank erosion cause displacement in both nations, intensifying the demand for cooperative mechanisms.

Significance

  • For India–Bangladesh Relations:

    • Water-sharing remains one of the most contentious issues after border management and migration.

  • For Regional Cooperation:

    • Cooperative water management could serve as a model for South Asian river diplomacy.

  • For Climate Adaptation:

    • With rising variability of monsoons, joint flood forecasting and river management are crucial.



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