Ganga Water Treaty Nears End: India-Bangladesh Face Critical 2026 Decision

• India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty, signed in 1996, expires in December 2026, posing a major diplomatic challenge.
• The 1996 treaty outlines water sharing at Farakka Barrage, with specific rules for flows above 75,000 cusecs and below 70,000 cusecs during dry months.
• Ganga basin faces severe water stress, impacting per capita availability in India and causing Padma River levels to drop in Bangladesh, leading to Dhaka's demand for guaranteed flows.
• Political complexities include a changed government in Dhaka, increased Delhi-Dhaka tensions, and West Bengal's crucial role, with CM Mamata Banerjee emphasizing state consent due to Kolkata Port's navigability.
• Negotiations have begun; India seeks to incorporate its developmental needs and proposes a shorter 10-15 year treaty duration for flexibility in the face of climate change.

Why It Matters: India and Bangladesh must navigate complex political and environmental challenges to renew the Ganga Water Treaty by 2026.