Bangladesh seeks India water-sharing deal as Ganges treaty nears expiry

Bangladesh has intensified diplomatic efforts with India to secure an extension of the 1996 Ganges Waters Sharing Treaty, which governs the allocation of dry-season flows from one of South Asia's most critical waterways. The accord, which has guided water management between the two countries for nearly three decades, is set to expire, raising concerns about potential disruptions to irrigation, drinking water supplies, and agricultural productivity in the region.

The Ganges River sustains hundreds of millions of people across India and Bangladesh, with the waterway serving as a lifeline for agriculture, industry, and domestic consumption. During dry seasons, disputes over water distribution have historically strained bilateral relations, with Bangladesh particularly vulnerable to reduced flows that affect crop yields and freshwater availability in its densely populated delta regions.

Dhaka has called for prompt negotiations to establish a new framework that ensures equitable water sharing and accounts for the impacts of climate change on river flows. Officials have emphasized that renewal of the treaty is essential for maintaining regional stability and protecting the livelihoods of farmers and communities dependent on consistent water supplies.

India and Bangladesh have indicated openness to discussions, though the timing of a formal renegotiation remains unclear. The renewal process is expected to involve complex technical assessments and political considerations, given the competing water demands of both nations and the involvement of other countries whose territory forms part of the Ganges basin.