India and Bangladesh are preparing for discussions on the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty, which is set to expire in December. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that both countries have a structured system to manage their treaty obligations and address issues related to shared rivers.
During a media briefing on November 3, 2026, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India and Bangladesh have an established mechanism for discussing water-sharing issues. He highlighted the role of the Joint Rivers Commission, which allows both countries to discuss concerns related to rivers flowing across their borders, including the Ganga.
The Ganga Water Treaty was signed in 1996 during the tenure of Indian Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The agreement is scheduled to expire on December 12. Its renewal requires discussions involving experts and political leaders from both countries.
India has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit New Delhi for discussions. However, no official dates or further details about the proposed visit have been announced so far.
Jaiswal also repeated India’s commitment to maintaining positive and friendly relations with Bangladesh. He said the Indian government was closely monitoring protests by Bangladeshi garment workers, who are demanding fair wages amid economic difficulties.
The upcoming treaty renewal is an important issue for both countries, as the Ganga is a major shared water resource. Continued discussions and cooperation will be necessary to address water-sharing concerns and maintain good relations between India and Bangladesh.