India and Bangladesh prepare for Ganga Water Treaty renewal

India and Bangladesh are preparing for negotiations regarding the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty, which is scheduled to expire on December 12. The agreement, originally signed in 1996, governs the sharing of the major water resource between the two nations.

Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam stated that the government has formed a committee to lead negotiations, with the Water Resources Minister and Finance Adviser involved. The minister emphasized that Bangladesh will prioritize its long-term national interests and legitimate water requirements during the process.

On the Indian side, the Ministry of External Affairs noted that an established mechanism, including the Joint Rivers Commission, exists to manage shared river concerns. India has invited Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to New Delhi for discussions, though official dates for the visit have not yet been announced.