For this article:

15 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
International RelationsNEWS

Bangladesh: Renewal of Ganga Water Treaty Based on National Interest

Bangladesh will decide on Ganga Water Treaty renewal based on national interest.

Bangladesh will decide on the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty based on its "national interest", according to Humaiun Kobir, foreign affairs advisor to Tarique Rahman. Kobir urged India to "break from the past", adding that communal incidents in India were a "matter of concern" for Bangladesh. The Ganga Water Treaty is due for renewal by December 2026.

Key Facts

1.

Bangladesh will decide on the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty based on its 'national interest'.

2.

Humaiun Kobir is the foreign affairs advisor to Tarique Rahman.

3.

Kobir urged India to 'break from the past'.

4.

Communal incidents in India were a 'matter of concern' for Bangladesh.

5.

The Ganga Water Treaty is due for renewal by December 2026.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: International Relations - Bilateral agreements and their impact

2.

GS Paper I: Geography - River systems and water resources

3.

Potential for questions on transboundary water disputes and international law

In Simple Words

India and Bangladesh share the Ganga River. They have a treaty to share the water, especially when there's less water in the dry season. Now, Bangladesh is deciding if they want to renew this treaty, keeping their own needs in mind.

India Angle

For farmers in West Bengal and Bihar, the Ganga's water is crucial for irrigation. Any change in the treaty affects how much water they get for their crops. This also impacts the availability of drinking water in these regions.

For Instance

Imagine two families sharing a well. They have an agreement on how much water each can take. If one family feels they're not getting enough, they might want to renegotiate the agreement to better suit their needs.

This treaty affects the water supply for millions of people. It impacts farming, drinking water, and the overall relationship between India and Bangladesh.

Water sharing: It's not just about rivers, it's about people's lives.

Visual Insights

Ganga River Basin: India and Bangladesh

Map showing the Ganga River basin and the location of Farakka Barrage, highlighting the shared water resource between India and Bangladesh. This is relevant to the Ganga Water Treaty renewal.

Loading interactive map...

📍India📍Bangladesh📍Farakka Barrage
More Information

Background

The Ganga Water Treaty, officially known as the Treaty between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh on Sharing of the Ganga Waters at Farakka, is a crucial agreement concerning the distribution of water from the Ganga River. The treaty was signed in 1996, but its roots lie in decades of negotiations and disputes over water sharing following the construction of the Farakka Barrage by India in 1975. This barrage, intended to divert water to the Hooghly River to flush out sediment and improve navigability at Kolkata port, raised concerns in Bangladesh about reduced water flow during the dry season. Prior to the 1996 treaty, several ad-hoc agreements were made between India and Bangladesh regarding water sharing. These included agreements in 1977 and 1982. However, these agreements were often short-term and did not provide a long-term solution acceptable to both parties. The 1996 treaty was significant because it established a more comprehensive framework for water sharing, including specific formulas for water allocation during different periods of the year. It also included provisions for joint monitoring and dispute resolution. The treaty is due for renewal in 2026, prompting discussions about its effectiveness and future. The treaty addresses the sharing of water at the Farakka Barrage, but the larger issue involves the management of transboundary rivers. International law provides some guidance on the equitable sharing of water resources, but the application of these principles can be complex and contentious. Principles such as equitable utilization, no significant harm, and prior notification are often invoked in discussions about transboundary water management. The Helsinki Rules on the Uses of the Waters of International Rivers, developed by the International Law Association, are an important reference point, though not legally binding. The concept of transboundary water governance is crucial for ensuring sustainable and cooperative management of shared water resources.

Latest Developments

Recent years have seen increased discussions and concerns regarding the Ganga Water Treaty and its impact on Bangladesh. Climate change has exacerbated water scarcity, making the issue of water sharing even more critical. Reduced water flow in the Ganga during the dry season has affected agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods in Bangladesh. There have been calls for a more equitable and sustainable water-sharing arrangement that takes into account the changing environmental conditions. Bangladesh has been exploring alternative water management strategies, including improving water conservation, developing alternative irrigation techniques, and exploring the potential of other rivers. The country is also focusing on strengthening its diplomatic efforts to address water-sharing issues with India. Discussions have also taken place regarding the possibility of including other rivers in the water-sharing agreements. The Joint Rivers Commission, a bilateral mechanism, continues to play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. Looking ahead, the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty in 2026 will be a significant event. It presents an opportunity for both India and Bangladesh to address outstanding issues and establish a more robust framework for water cooperation. The discussions are likely to focus on ensuring a fair and sustainable distribution of water, taking into account the needs of both countries and the impact of climate change. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the water security and livelihoods of millions of people in both countries. The role of environmental impact assessments will also be crucial in determining future strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Ganga Water Treaty and why is it important for India-Bangladesh relations?

The Ganga Water Treaty, officially the Treaty between India and Bangladesh on Sharing of the Ganga Waters at Farakka, concerns the distribution of water from the Ganga River. It's a crucial agreement because the Ganga's water is vital for agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods in Bangladesh, and its equitable sharing is essential for maintaining good relations between the two countries.

2. When was the Ganga Water Treaty signed, and when is it due for renewal?

The Ganga Water Treaty was signed in 1996 and is due for renewal by December 2026. Remember these dates, as they are important for the exam.

Exam Tip

Remember the years 1996 (signing) and 2026 (renewal) for prelims MCQs.

3. What factors will influence Bangladesh's decision on renewing the Ganga Water Treaty?

Bangladesh will decide on the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty based on its 'national interest'. Factors such as water scarcity due to climate change and the impact on agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods will likely play a significant role in their decision-making process.

4. What concerns has Bangladesh raised regarding India, according to recent news?

According to recent news, Bangladesh, through Humaiun Kobir, has expressed concern over communal incidents in India. Kobir also urged India to 'break from the past' regarding the Ganga Water Treaty.

5. How might the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty impact common citizens in Bangladesh?

The Ganga Water Treaty directly affects the availability of water for agriculture, fisheries, and drinking water in Bangladesh. A favorable renewal could improve livelihoods and food security, while an unfavorable outcome could exacerbate water scarcity and negatively impact these sectors.

6. Who are the key personalities associated with the discussions surrounding the Ganga Water Treaty renewal?

Key personalities include Humaiun Kobir, the foreign affairs advisor to Tarique Rahman. While Tarique Rahman's specific role isn't detailed, his advisor's statements are significant. Knowing these names can be helpful for prelims.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Ganga Water Treaty: 1. The treaty was signed between India and Bangladesh in 1996. 2. The treaty is set to be renewed by December 2026. 3. The treaty solely focuses on water sharing during the monsoon season. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Ganga Water Treaty was indeed signed in 1996 between India and Bangladesh. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The treaty is due for renewal by December 2026, as mentioned in the news. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The treaty focuses on water sharing during the dry season (lean period) as well, not solely the monsoon season. It aims to ensure equitable distribution of water throughout the year.

2. Which of the following principles is/are commonly associated with transboundary water governance? 1. Principle of absolute sovereignty 2. Principle of equitable utilization 3. Principle of no significant harm Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The principle of absolute sovereignty asserts that a state has unrestricted rights over the water resources within its territory, which is not a commonly accepted principle in transboundary water governance. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The principle of equitable utilization suggests that each state sharing a water resource has a right to a reasonable and equitable share of that resource. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The principle of no significant harm requires states to take all appropriate measures to prevent activities within their jurisdiction from causing significant harm to other states sharing the water resource.

3. The Farakka Barrage, which is a point of contention in the Ganga Water Treaty, is located on which river?

  • A.Brahmaputra
  • B.Teesta
  • C.Ganga
  • D.Yamuna
Show Answer

Answer: C

The Farakka Barrage is located on the Ganga River. It was constructed by India to divert water to the Hooghly River, leading to concerns in Bangladesh about reduced water flow during the dry season.

Source Articles

Bangladesh seeks reset in India ties: Tarique Rahman's advisor - The Hindu

The Hindu·15 Feb 2026

Hope for India-Bangladesh ties in Tarique Rahman’s development pitch: diplomatic sources - The Hindu

The Hindu·15 Feb 2026

Bangladesh: PM Modi receives invite to attend Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony - The Hindu

The Hindu·15 Feb 2026

Morning Digest: Jaishankar denies India has lost ‘strategic autonomy’; four new astronauts arrive at ISS to replace NASA’s evacuated crew, and more - The Hindu

The Hindu·15 Feb 2026

India’s Bangladesh Bind: Tarique Rahman’s Return and Delhi’s Strategic Retreat - Frontline

The Hindu·15 Feb 2026

GKSolverToday's News