India and Bangladesh Face Tough Questions as Ganga Water Sharing Treaty Nears 2026 Review

India and Bangladesh will review the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty in 2026. The treaty guides how both nations share dry-season water from the Ganga. It was signed in 1996 to reduce conflict and build trust. Now both sides face rising tension, lower river flow, and new political pressure. The main keyword for this article is “Ganga Water Sharing Treaty”.

The treaty comes at a time of strained ties. According to Reuters, relations dipped after political changes in Bangladesh in 2024. China’s growing presence in Dhaka adds more stress. The review is seen as a key moment for both countries.

Ganga Water Sharing Treaty Review and Why It Matters

The Ganga Water Sharing Treaty sets rules for sharing water from January to May. These are the dry months when demand is high. The treaty uses flow levels at Farakka to decide how much water each side gets. If the flow drops under 70,000 cusecs, both nations split it evenly.

India says climate change has cut river flow. Hotter summers and weaker rain hit the basin hard. Bangladesh says it needs stronger guarantees for low-flow months. It also wants clearer data and better protection for its delta region.

According to AP News, dry-season flow has fallen in several years. This hurts farming in northern Bangladesh. Many farmers say soil turns salty when the river flow drops. India faces pressure too. Large parts of eastern India depend on the Ganga for farming and drinking water.

Both nations agree the treaty must change. But they disagree on how fast and how far. India wants more flexibility in drought years. Bangladesh wants firm legal rights and more transparency.

Concerns Over Other Rivers Shape the Coming Talks

The treaty review is linked to wider water issues. India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers. Yet only the Ganga has a strong treaty. Talks on the Teesta River remain stuck. This adds mistrust on both sides.

Bangladesh says the Teesta delay shows India moves too slow. India says it cannot act without agreement from West Bengal. This creates a domestic–foreign policy gap. China’s interest in Teesta projects adds new pressure.

Analysts say better data sharing and joint river planning could help. Both nations face climate risk. Floods, storms, and droughts hit the region more often now. A stronger water deal could protect millions of people.

Regional Impact and What Comes Next

A new deal could reshape South Asian river policy. It could support better farming, cleaner ecosystems, and more trust. A failed deal could raise tension and push Bangladesh closer to outside powers. India wants stability on its eastern border. Bangladesh wants fair water and long-term security.

Experts say both sides must act soon. Talks need clear goals and open data. With climate change rising, old agreements no longer work well. The 2026 review may set the tone for all future river talks.

The Ganga Water Sharing Treaty will shape regional ties in the years ahead. Both nations must find common ground. The next few months will decide if cooperation grows or fades.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty?

It is a 1996 agreement between India and Bangladesh. It sets rules for sharing Ganga water in dry months. It helps avoid conflict over low river flow.

Q2: Why is the treaty reviewed in 2026?

The treaty lasts 30 years. It allows revision with consent from both sides. The review lets both nations update rules based on new conditions.

Q3: Why is Bangladesh worried about river flow?

Dry-season flow drops hurt farms and fisheries. Salinity rises in the delta when water is low. Many families depend on Ganga water to survive.

Q4: How does climate change affect the Ganga?

Heat, weak rain, and glacier loss reduce flow. This creates longer dry spells. Both India and Bangladesh now face heavy climate stress.

Q5: What role does China play?

China funds river projects in Bangladesh. This adds pressure on India during talks. Dhaka uses this leverage to push for stronger deals.