Ganga Water Treaty

March 10, 2025

The Ganga Water Treaty (1996) between India and Bangladesh is set to expire in 2026. Upcoming negotiations hold critical importance as Bangladesh seeks a larger share of Ganga’s dry-season water to address severe agricultural shortages.
The discussions take place amid political shifts in Bangladesh and unresolved transboundary water-sharing disputes, particularly regarding the Teesta River.
Background of the Ganga Water Treaty
- The Ganga River has been a source of India-Bangladesh tensions for decades.
- Farakka Barrage (1975), built to regulate Ganga’s flow, intensified disputes over water distribution.
- The treaty established a structured water-sharing mechanism, recognizing Bangladesh’s status as a lower riparian state.
- It aimed to balance India’s upstream needs and Bangladesh’s water security, addressing historical grievances.
Key Provisions of the Treaty
- Water-sharing formula based on Ganga’s flow at Farakka Barrage during the dry season:
- If flow is 70,000 cusecs or less, both nations receive equal shares.
- Guarantees minimum water availability for Bangladesh during critical months.
- Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) oversees treaty compliance and dispute resolution.
Significance of Upcoming Talks
- Marks the 86th round of negotiations between India and Bangladesh.
- Bangladesh demands a more comprehensive framework, addressing all transboundary rivers.
- The Ganga Water Treaty remains the only active water-sharing agreement between the two nations.
- The outcome could set a precedent for resolving other disputes, especially concerning the Teesta River.