Archive · 7 Jan 2026
India, Bangladesh Negotiate Ganga Water Treaty Renewal
India and Bangladesh are talking about renewing a water-sharing agreement for the Ganga River, which is set to expire in 2026.
The current agreement, signed in 1996, divides the water based on old data and doesn't account for recent changes in the river's flow due to climate change and increased water use.
Bangladesh wants a longer agreement with guaranteed water flow, while India prefers a shorter agreement that can be adjusted as needed.
Both countries agree that the new agreement should consider the entire river basin and not just one location.
They also want to include better ways to manage water during floods and droughts caused by climate change.
The agreement is important because both countries rely on the Ganga River for drinking water, farming, and other needs.
India and Bangladesh are negotiating the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty, which expires in December 2026.
The current treaty, signed in 1996, is based on historical flow data and does not account for recent hydrological and climatic changes.
Bangladesh seeks a longer renewal period with a guaranteed minimum water flow, while India prefers a shorter renewal period for flexibility.
Both countries agree on the need for a basin-wide management approach that considers climate change, environmental flow, and socio-economic needs.
The Joint Rivers Commission serves as the institutional mechanism for monitoring and implementing the treaty.
- Who
- India and Bangladesh
- What
- Negotiations to renew the Ganga Water Treaty
- When
- Treaty set to expire in December 2026
- Where
- Ganga Basin, primarily in India and Bangladesh
- Why
- To balance historical commitments with contemporary hydrological realities and future climate uncertainties
- Treaty Expiry
- December 2026
- Current Water Sharing Formula
- Based on historical flow data (1949-1988)
- Bangladesh's Demand
- Guaranteed release of 40,000 cusecs during lean months
- India's Preference
- Short-term renewal period of 10-15 years
- Joint Rivers Commission
- Bilateral mechanism for water sharing and dispute resolution
- Ganga Basin Area
- Approximately 1.08 million sq km, 79% in India
- Farakka Barrage
- Located 10 km from India-Bangladesh border, diverts water to Hooghly River
- Treaty Duration
- 30 years (1996-2026)