The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed claims by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the state government was not consulted on the renewal of the Ganga water-sharing treaty with Bangladesh.
Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the West Bengal government has been involved in all discussions through its representative on an internal committee addressing the treaty.
"The facts do not bear out the assertions [by Mamata]. The representative of the West Bengal government has attended all the meetings of an internal committee set up on the issue (of the Ganges water-sharing accord with Bangladesh) consisting of all stakeholders. In fact, on April 6, 2024, a communication was received from the West Bengal government indicating its requirement of drinking water and industrial water under the treaty beyond 2026," Jaiswal said at a media briefing in New Delhi.
Mamata Banerjee had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 June, expressing opposition to any water-sharing negotiations with Bangladesh that did not include state government participation.
She described the decision to initiate talks as "unilateral."
The Ganga water-sharing accord between India and Bangladesh, signed in 1996, is set to expire in 2026. However, it may be extended by mutual agreement.
Following a meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Modi announced the commencement of technical-level discussions for the treaty's renewal.
Jaiswal confirmed that India's internal committee has submitted its final report on the treaty but did not disclose its contents.
In response to questions about fees and security personnel related to an MoU allowing Indian railways to access Bangladeshi territory, Jaiswal said, "These are technical questions and these will be addressed by technical experts at the right time."
The MEA spokesperson emphasised that India and Bangladesh are working to enhance connectivity and promote bilateral trade, aiming to elevate their relationship to a higher level.
