India assures Bihar's water needs will guide Farakka Treaty renewal

India's Ministry of External Affairs has assured that Bihar's drinking water needs will be considered in any decision on renewing the Ganga Water Treaty with Bangladesh, which expires on December 12. The assurance follows demands from ruling ally Janata Dal (United) against renewal. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in an August 28 letter to JDU MP Sanjay Jha, confirmed inter-ministerial discussions were held under the Ministry of Jal Shakti with stakeholders, including Bihar government representatives, to comprehensively examine the treaty's implementation and future. Jha had raised concerns about the treaty's adverse impact on Bihar's drinking water, agriculture, and irrigation during lean seasons. The 1996 treaty, which governs Ganga water sharing between India and Bangladesh, has been opposed by JDU leaders, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who have long sought a fair share for the state. Jha welcomed the response, stating Bihar seeks only what scientific assessment establishes to protect 130 million residents from shortages.