Thu Mar 06 09:35:25 UTC 2025: ## India and Bangladesh Hold Crucial Talks on Ganges Water Treaty Renewal

**Kolkata, March 6, 2025** – Technical teams from India and Bangladesh commenced a two-day meeting in Kolkata today to discuss the renewal of the 1996 Ganges Water Treaty, which expires in 2026. The meeting, part of the 86th session of the India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission, follows a recent visit by the Bangladeshi delegation to the Farakka Barrage to assess Ganges water flow.

The Bangladeshi delegation, led by Joint Rivers Commission member Muhammad Abul Hossen, reported that while January’s water flow was satisfactory, February saw a decline. Both sides exchanged data on water flow over the past five months, confirming that current water-sharing adheres to the 1996 treaty.

The Ganges water-sharing agreement is critical for West Bengal, impacting livelihoods and the Kolkata port’s navigability. While the meeting focuses on the Ganges, the ongoing tension surrounding the Teesta river water-sharing agreement adds a layer of complexity. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who opposes the Teesta agreement, previously expressed concerns about a unilateral push to renew the Ganges treaty, although the Union government insists West Bengal was involved in the consultation process. Ms. Banerjee’s role in the Ganges treaty renewal remains to be seen. The treaty’s renewal is significant given that India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, and the Joint Rivers Commission, established in 1972, plays a crucial role in managing these shared resources. The talks are expected to conclude tomorrow with a meeting between the Bangladeshi delegation and West Bengal’s irrigation secretary.

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