Jaishankar said he will consider Bihar's concerns before the Ganga treaty renewal.
City News Mumbai••0 views•2 min read
India’s Foreign Minister S. Jayashankar assured that Bihar’s demands would be taken into account in the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty, aiming to balance inter‑country water cooperation with state‑level water security.
The renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty, signed between India and Bangladesh in 1996, has become the main topic of discussion this year. In view of the growing scarcity of water resources and the impacts of climate change, both countries have taken the initiative to set new conditions to strengthen cooperation. In this process, the state of Bihar has expressed serious concerns, particularly regarding its agricultural sector, irrigation, and the availability of drinking water. The state's chief water‑management officer and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that any reduction in the flow of the Ganga would adversely affect the region's economic situation, therefore it is necessary to prioritize Bihar's needs in the new treaty.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said in this context that the Indian government will thoroughly understand all of Bihar's concerns before the renewal of the Ganga treaty and will incorporate them appropriately into the negotiations. He also noted that the purpose of the water treaty is to ensure mutual benefit between the two countries, while also taking into account the water security of the states within India. In this direction, the central government has formed expert committees and conducted a detailed study of technical and environmental aspects, so that future water distribution remains transparent and equitable.
Recognition of these issues concerning Bihar's water security at the national level will increase the likelihood of a balanced and sustainable solution in the renewal of the Ganga treaty. Experts believe that if state‑level concerns are properly incorporated, the treaty will not only strengthen India‑Bangladesh relations but also help reduce water‑management challenges within India.