Ganga Water Treaty

1. International3 Nov

   MEA: Joint Rivers Commission is the mechanism for cross-border rivers incl. the Ganga; Ganga treaty expires 12 December

   Background fact, details

   Background fact: The India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Sharing Treaty was signed on 12 December 1996 for 30 years

   Details

   At the MEA briefing on 3 November 2026, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India and Bangladesh have a structured mechanism, the Joint Rivers Commission, for cross-border rivers including the Ganga. The 1996 treaty is due to expire on 12 December 2026. He said there was no update on its renewal, and India has invited Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to visit New Delhi.

   • MEA briefing of 3 November 2026 by spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal
   • Joint Rivers Commission is the structured mechanism for cross-boundary rivers including the Ganga
   • India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty is set to expire on 12 December 2026
   • No update on renewal or on dates for Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman's visit, which India has invited

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2. International25 Aug

   Bihar raises concerns over renewal of 1996 Ganga Water Treaty

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   Bihar leaders asked the Centre not to simply renew the 1996 India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty, which expires in December 2026, citing flooding and silting linked to the Farakka Barrage. Jaishankar said the concerns would be considered.

   Exam angle, details

   Exam angle: Ganga Water Treaty signed 12 December 1996, 30-year term; Farakka Barrage (1975) diverts water to the Hooghly.

   Details

   In late August 2026 JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha and the Bihar government pressed the Centre over renewal of the 1996 India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty, which expires in December 2026, citing flooding and siltation linked to Farakka.

   • Treaty signed 12 December 1996; governs Farakka lean-season flows (1 January to 31 May)
   • Expiry reported as 12 December 2026 (The Hindu summary says 31 December)
   • JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha said it should not be renewed as is; Bihar sought safeguards on flood, siltation and dry-season flows
   • EAM Jaishankar assured Bihar's concerns would be considered

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Sources

Sources

1. The Hindu
2. Big News Network
3. ISAS (NUS)
4. Outlook India

Related

• Ministry of External Affairs