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Bangladesh Seeks New Long-Term Ganges Water Treaty With India Before 2026 Expiry
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Firstpost•08-10-2026, 21:48
Bangladesh Seeks New Long-Term Ganges Water Treaty With India Before 2026 Expiry
- •Bangladesh is seeking a new and revised Ganges water-sharing agreement with India to replace the 1996 treaty expiring in 2026.
- •Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee emphasized the need for a longer-term agreement containing a guarantee clause to secure dry-season water shares.
- •Officials are working continuously through the Joint Rivers Commission with hopes of finalizing the new arrangement before December 12, 2026.
- •State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir stated that transboundary river disputes must be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and international law.
- •The longstanding Teesta water-sharing dispute remains a separate issue from the Ganges treaty, with Bangladesh prioritizing friendly ties and mutual interests.
Key Questions Answered
Bangladesh is seeking a new, longer-term Ganges water-sharing agreement with India rather than a simple renewal, specifically pushing for a guarantee clause to protect its dry-season water share.
The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty is set to expire in December 2026.
Bangladesh and India share 54 transboundary rivers and address water-related matters, including negotiations on transboundary rivers, through the Joint Rivers Commission and bilateral discussions.
