IAs both India and Bangladesh approach the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty set for 2026, India is seeking changes to the 1996 agreement. This effort is in response to India’s increasing water demands and evolving geopolitical circumstances, indicating a larger shift in how water-sharing is managed in the region. This development reflects the evolving water management challenges both nations face after three decades of the current arrangement. The existing treaty has provided a framework for cooperation since its signing during Sheikh Hasina’s first term as Prime Minister. On December 12, 1996, a treaty was signed to determine how India and Bangladesh will share the water of the Ganges (Ganga) River at the Farakka Barrage starting on January 1. May 31 each year. The agreement established specific water allocation mechanisms that have governed bilateral water sharing for nearly three decades. Both countries recognize the need for technical discussions to address contemporary water management challenges. Next week, in Kolkata, Bangladesh and India will conduct the 86th gathering of their technical experts’ joint committee. They will also check on Farakka as they prepare to renew their 30-year treaty concerning the Ganges water sharing, which is due for renewal in 2026. These meetings among experts show both countries’ dedication to reaching agreeable solutions. The current water sharing arrangement includes specific provisions for both countries during critical periods.India and Bangladesh are each entitled to a guaranteed flow of 35,000 cusecs of water during three alternating 10-day periods from March 11 to May 10. This guaranteed minimum flow has been a cornerstone of the existing agreement. Climate change and development needs are driving the push for treaty modernization.It is essential to find a compromise between India’s need for development and Bangladesh’s vital requirement for water. India cannot keep adhering to the agreements made in the 1996 treaty. Both nations must consider how environmental changes and economic growth have altered their water requirements. The treaty renewal process offers opportunities for enhanced cooperation beyond just water sharing. As the treaty is due to end in 2026, the next talks for its renewal give Bangladesh a chance to claim a just portion of the Ganges waters, tackling both past issues and new difficulties. This renewal period provides a chance to modernize the agreement for contemporary realities. Looking ahead, successful treaty modernization could strengthen bilateral relations and establish a model for regional water cooperation. The ongoing technical discussions between both countries suggest a collaborative approach to addressing 21st-century water challenges while maintaining the spirit of cooperation that has characterized Ganges water sharing for decades.
