Bangladesh Voices Concerns Over Water-Sharing Amid Regional Tensions
Bangladesh has expressed growing apprehension regarding its water-sharing agreements with India, particularly in light of recent geopolitical developments. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, has intensified these concerns, especially as the Indo-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty approaches its renewal in 2026. Water expert Nutan Manmohan highlighted that India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty could cast doubts on its commitment to water-sharing with Bangladesh. Uttam Sinha of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) emphasized that while India has traditionally respected water-sharing arrangements, the success of future negotiations will largely depend on the prevailing political climate.
The Ganga Water Treaty, signed in 1996, is a cornerstone of India-Bangladesh relations, providing a structured framework for water-sharing. As the treaty is set for renewal in 2026, discussions have been ongoing to ensure its continuation. Recent meetings between India and Bangladesh have focused on technical issues pertaining to the treaty, including the measurement of water flows and other mutual interests. Under the existing treaty, India can withdraw up to 40,000 cusecs of water if the availability at Farakka exceeds 75,000 cusecs. If the availability falls below 70,000 cusecs, the flow is to be divided equally between both countries. The treaty also guarantees Bangladesh a minimum of 35,000 cusecs if the flow ranges between 70,000 and 75,000 cusecs.
The long-standing dispute over the Teesta River remains unresolved, with Bangladesh seeking a greater share of its waters. The river, originating in Sikkim and flowing through West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, is crucial for agriculture and irrigation, particularly in northern Bangladesh. Efforts to secure a comprehensive agreement progressed in 2011, with a draft treaty proposing an allocation of 37.5% of the Teesta’s water to Bangladesh during the dry season. However, opposition from West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, citing concerns about water scarcity in her state, stalled the agreement.
Tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated following controversial remarks by Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser, advocating for increased Chinese involvement in India’s sensitive Northeast region. In response, India revoked Bangladesh’s transshipment facility for export cargo, effective April 8, 2025. The decision also coincides with Bangladesh’s plans to develop a strategic base near the Siliguri Corridor in collaboration with China, including the revival of the Lalmonirhat air base. Under the interim leadership of Yunus, who has distanced his administration from many of the Hasina government’s policies, Bangladesh has drawn closer diplomatically to both China and Pakistan. In a rare development, Pakistan and Bangladesh recently held Foreign Secretary-level talks in Dhaka, aimed at paving the way for a visit by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. However, the visit was postponed amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, particularly after Dar’s controversial remarks referring to the perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre as “freedom fighters.”
The evolving geopolitical landscape underscores the importance of collaborative water management strategies between India and Bangladesh. As the Ganga Water Treaty approaches its renewal, both nations must navigate complex political dynamics to ensure equitable and sustainable water-sharing agreements.
