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3 clusters · 9 sources · 6 days · First seen · Last updated

Bangladesh and India Ganges water treaty negotiations

Overview

The 1996 Ganges Water Treaty, which governs dry-season water allocations at the Farakka Barrage, is set to expire on December 12. Bangladesh is urging India to negotiate a renewal to prevent freshwater shortages for over 50 million people and to protect the Sundarbans mangrove forest ecosystem. Within India, political leaders in Bihar are advocating for the treaty to address the state’s agricultural, industrial, and drinking water needs.

Domestic political tension has emerged regarding the negotiations. Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party, has called for a fair water-sharing agreement and threatened protests if the renewal does not protect Bangladesh’s interests. Islam has also accused the government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of attempting to facilitate an illegal Indian transit corridor through Bangladesh.

As the December deadline approaches, the Bangladeshi government has formed a committee to lead negotiations, involving the Water Resources Minister and Finance Adviser. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam stated that the government will prioritize long-term national interests and legitimate water requirements. On the Indian side, the Ministry of External Affairs noted that the Joint Rivers Commission remains the established mechanism for managing shared river concerns. India has invited Prime Minister Rahman to New Delhi for discussions, though official dates for the visit have not been announced.

Entities

Tarique Rahman · Bangladesh · India · Farakka Barrage · Ministry of External Affairs

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    India and Bangladesh prepare for Ganga Water Treaty renewal

    India and Bangladesh are initiating discussions to renew the Ganga Water Treaty before its December expiry, focusing on long-term water requirements and bilateral cooperation.

  2. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Bangladesh opposition leader opposes Indian transit corridor

    Bangladesh opposition leader Nahid Islam has rejected plans for an Indian transit corridor and demanded a fair Ganges water-sharing pact ahead of the treaty's December expiry.

  3. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Bangladesh and India face Ganges water treaty expiration

    Bangladesh is pressing India to renew the 1996 Ganges Water Treaty before its December expiration to prevent freshwater shortages and address regional water security concerns in Bihar.

Sources

chennaionline.com · dailytimes.com.pk · en.prothomalo.com · enca.com · orissapost.com · sangbadpratidin.in · scroll.in · southasiamonitor.org · tezzbuzz.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history