Bangladesh Demands 'Guarantee Clause' in New Ganga Water Treaty with India

As the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh nears its December 2026 expiry, Bangladesh is strongly pushing for a new agreement that includes a 'guarantee clause' to ensure a minimum flow of water during the crucial dry season. Dhaka's Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has stated that Bangladesh is ready to approach international forums if needed to protect its water rights, highlighting the urgency of the situation. This demand for a guarantee clause stems from its exclusion in the 1996 pact, a provision that was present in an earlier 1977 agreement. Bangladesh argues that the current treaty's terms, based on old water flow information from decades ago, no longer account for changes due to climate change, leading to water shortages during dry periods. India, while acknowledging the need for renewal discussions, insists these talks will happen through existing channels like the Joint Rivers Commission, as the Farakka Barrage plays a key role in India's own water needs, including for Kolkata Port. The long-standing, but separate, Teesta River water sharing dispute further complicates relations, especially with Bangladesh moving forward on a China-backed project for the Teesta. With Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expected to raise the issue at the United Nations next month, the upcoming negotiations are critical. Both nations face increasing pressure on water resources due to population growth and climate shifts. The outcome will not only shape how water is shared from this vital river but also set an example for managing shared rivers in a changing world.