Examining Legal Frameworks for Sustainable Transboundary Water Governance amidst Climate Change between India and Bangladesh

Water, an indispensable natural resource for humanity, transcends geographical borders and surpasses both natural and artificial barriers such as mountains, dams, and plains. Despite efforts to delineate boundaries with precision, disputes over borders persist, adding further complexity to the situation. Transboundary water governance between India and Bangladesh has long remained intricate and politically sensitive, particularly in relation to the Teesta and Ganga River systems. The 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, which regulates the equitable allocation of the Ganga's dry-season flow at Farakka, is set to expire in 2026, raising apprehension over its renewal amidst shifting hydrological conditions and growing regional tensions. At the same time, the unresolved Teesta River water-sharing agreement continues to be a significant bilateral irritant, hampered by domestic political constraints within India and increasing asymmetries in bargaining power. Against this backdrop, climate change is intensifying hydro-variability through erratic monsoons, the retreat of Himalayan glaciers, and the rising frequency of floods and droughts, thereby placing additional pressure on already fragile water-sharing arrangements. This research critically examines water-related challenges, engaging with both international and national legal frameworks and regulations. It analyses the implementation and implications of these legal instruments, with particular emphasis on transboundary water-sharing treaties between India and Bangladesh. Adopting a doctrinal legal research methodology and a comprehensive literature review, the study seeks to draw conclusions on the challenges, constraints, and importance of laws and policies in addressing disputes over shared water resources.