Mechanism in place to deal with Ganga treaty: India

4 NOVEMBER 2026

With the Ganga Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh set to expire in December 2026, the External Affairs Ministry reiterated that the two countries have a “structured mechanism” to deal with the treaty’s requirements.
Between India and Bangladesh, we have a Joint Rivers Commission which is the structured mechanism for discussion on all cross-boundary rivers, including the Ganga.
The treaty was signed in 1996 when Sheikh Hasina of Awami League became Bangladesh’s Prime Minister for the first time.
The three-decade old agreement for river water sharing requires expert-level and political consultations for a renewal.

Bangladesh PM visit hurdles

India has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit New Delhi but that there is neither any “update” on the treaty’s renewal nor on the dates for the trip.
Mr. Rahman, who has visited China, Japan, Malaysia and the United States so far, has not yet responded to the invites from India.
The two sides had earlier commenced consultations for a possible visit by Mr. Rahman, however the contacts were disrupted when Ms. Hasina, who is on exile in India since August 5, 2024, held a virtual press interaction in August 2026.