India–Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty in 2026: Renewal and Recalibration

Relations between India and Bangladesh occupy a central position in South Asia’s evolving geopolitical and hydropolitical landscape. Since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, bilateral relations have oscillated between cooperation and contention, shaped by historical legacies, domestic political dynamics, and regional power asymmetries. Transboundary rivers represent an essential component of regional geopolitics and sustainable development in South Asia. The sharing of transboundary rivers has long shaped political, economic, and social relations between India and Bangladesh. Among these rivers, the Ganga River—known as the Padma in Bangladesh—occupies a central place due to its ecological importance and its role in sustaining millions of livelihoods. The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty 1996 between India and Bangladesh was a significant milestone in South Asian hydrodiplomacy, establishing a 30-year framework for the allocation of dry-season flows at Farakka and instituting procedures for collaboration. The Ganga Water Treaty of 1996 is a pivotal accord in South Asian hydrodiplomacy, illustrating both the possibilities and constraints of collaborative water management. This paper delves into a comprehensive overview of the Ganga Water Treaty, exploring its complexities and considering the future implications following its completion of the 30 years of the treaty stipulated in 2026 and prospects for its renewal and recalibration.