After suspending Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, India now eyes changing Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with Bangladesh

Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with Bangladesh to be revised? India is exploring various alternatives to modify and reassess a significant agreement with Bangladesh regarding the distribution of Ganga waters, following its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.The agreement for sharing Ganga waters, called the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, expires in 2026, marking 30 years since its implementation. While renewal requires mutual agreement, New Delhi is eyeing a fresh treaty that addresses its present developmental requirements, sources told ET.The agreement, which was formalised in 1996 when Sheikh Hasina began her first tenure as Bangladesh's Prime Minister, established a framework for distributing Ganga's flow at the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal during the critical dry period from January 1 to May 31 annually.Also Read | China plays hardball! After choking rare earth magnets supply, China blocks important agriculture-related shipments to India; continues exports to othersSources told the financial daily that India seeks an additional 30,000 to 35,000 cusecs during this period to address its growing needs.There exists a necessity to reconsider the agreement to achieve an ideal equilibrium in water distribution between West Bengal and Bangladesh. According to these sources, India seeks to modify the treaty to accommodate its requirements for irrigation, harbour maintenance, and electricity production.The West Bengal administration reportedly supports the Central government's position, considering that the treaty's existing provisions are insufficient for their requirements.Also Read | India bleeds Pakistan dry: Water at ‘dead’ levels in Pakistan's dams; bigger Indus river plans in the works - top points to know