- The 1996 Ganga Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh is approaching its expiry, prompting discussions on its renewal and review. - The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that a structured mechanism, including the Joint Rivers Commission, remains in place to handle bilateral water cooperation. - Trans-boundary water diplomacy plays a crucial role in managing India-Bangladesh bilateral ties, stability, and resource sharing. - **Ganga Water Treaty:** A 30-year bilateral agreement signed in 1996 between India and Bangladesh to share the dry-season flows of the Ganges River at Farakka, set to expire in 2026. - **Joint Rivers Commission (JRC):** A bilateral platform established in 1972 by India and Bangladesh to address common issues related to shared rivers, water resource management, and flood forecasting. **Introduction** As the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh nears its expiration, the Ministry of External Affairs has affirmed that a functional structured mechanism, such as the Joint Rivers Commission, remains active to manage water-sharing issues and bilateral hydro-diplomacy. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The 1996 Ganga Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh is approaching its expiry, prompting discussions on its renewal and review. - The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that a structured mechanism, including the Joint Rivers Commission, remains in place to handle bilateral water cooperation. - Trans-boundary water diplomacy plays a crucial role in managing India-Bangladesh bilateral ties, stability, and resource sharing. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Ganga Water Treaty:** A 30-year bilateral agreement signed in 1996 between India and Bangladesh to share the dry-season flows of the Ganges River at Farakka, set to expire in 2026. - **Joint Rivers Commission (JRC):** A bilateral platform established in 1972 by India and Bangladesh to address common issues related to shared rivers, water resource management, and flood forecasting.