The Ganga Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh, a vital agreement concerning the distribution of water from the Ganges River, is set to expire in December 2026. Signed on December 12, 1996, by then Indian Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the treaty aimed to ensure the availability of water for both nations, particularly during the dry season. However, with the deadline fast approaching, bilateral discussions for the treaty's renewal have yet to commence.
The treaty outlines a specific formula for water sharing at the Farakka Barrage during the dry season, which spans from January 1 to May 31. The Farakka Barrage, commissioned in 1975, diverts water from the Ganges to the Hooghly River to maintain the navigability of the Kolkata port. Under the treaty, if the water flow is 70,000 cusecs or less, India and Bangladesh each receive 50%. If the flow is between 70,000 and 75,000 cusecs, Bangladesh receives 35,000 cusecs, and India gets the remainder. If the flow exceeds 75,000 cusecs, India is entitled to 40,000 cusecs, with the balance going to Bangladesh. The treaty ensures that each country receives a minimum of 35,000 cusecs of Ganga water in alternating periods during the driest period, from March 11 to May 10.
As the treaty nears its expiration date, there is a growing sentiment in India that it needs to be revised to better align with the country's current developmental needs. India's increasing demands for agricultural irrigation, port maintenance, and energy production are key factors driving this reconsideration. West Bengal has also voiced its support for changes to better meet local needs. India is reportedly seeking an additional 30,000 to 35,000 cusecs of water to meet these demands.
Several factors contribute to India's call for a revised treaty. The existing treaty is seen as lacking provisions for climate variability and seasonal shortages. The Farakka Barrage, which was initially built to divert 40,000 cusecs of water into a feeder canal for the Kolkata Port Trust, has faced issues such as slope failure, bed erosion, and heavy siltation, reducing the port's navigational efficiency. The NTPC plant in the area is also facing a water crisis.
The Indian government has communicated to Bangladesh the need for more water to support its domestic development. It is likely that any new treaty will be shorter in duration, lasting 10 to 15 years, to foster greater flexibility and adaptability for both nations.
However, the potential renegotiation of the Ganga Water Treaty comes at a time of complex geopolitical challenges and strained relations between India and Bangladesh. Nationalistic politics in both countries have also undermined the ability to sustain long-term, equitable transboundary water agreements. The lack of comprehensive, adaptive river governance in the region could deepen mistrust and erode the already fragile foundations of transboundary cooperation.
The stakes are high for both India and Bangladesh as they approach these negotiations. The Ganges River is a critical resource for both countries, and a failure to reach a mutually agreeable solution could have significant consequences for their economies, environments, and bilateral relations. Before the treaty's expiration in December 2026, both sides were expected to form a joint technical committee this year, ahead of diplomatic-level negotiations.
