Will the Teesta Treaty help improve India-Bangladesh ties?

The Teesta Water Sharing Agreement is critical to the lives and livelihoods of approximately 2 crore people in the northern region of Bangladesh, as well as to the environment and biodiversity there

Relations between neighboring Bangladesh and India appear to have cooled since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. The former prime minister was seen as pro-Indian, and many believe that she granted undue privileges to India in order to consolidate her power. So, anti-Khasin sentiments had such a strong impact on India that anti-Indian slogans were heard during the July Uprising.

Both India hosting the ousted prime minister and the Indian media running a disinformation campaign about communal violence in Bangladesh have not helped.

However, the top management of both countries expressed interest in cooperation and improving ties. Foreign adviser Tuheed Hossain went so far as to say that public discontent could be mitigated by making appropriate efforts to further improve bilateral relations.

Now the question arises: what steps should Delhi take first to thaw relations with Dhaka? The list includes several issues ranging from border killings and Teesta water to growing security challenges in the CHT border area.

I believe Bangladesh’s longstanding demand for a fair share of Teesta River water should come first.

Despite the development of trade, economic, cultural and political relations, both countries have not yet been able to solve this pressing bilateral problem. Bangladesh, being a low-lying country, is inherently vulnerable to transboundary river problems. However, unfortunately, despite sharing 54 rivers, the India-Bangladesh Joint River Commission (JRC) has not been able to make progress in water management of any significant shared rivers, especially the Teesta.

It is also regrettable that even though Bangladesh-India relations are often described as warm and cordial, none of India’s actions on rivers as an upstream country demonstrate that it takes Bangladesh’s concerns seriously. A long-term solution to the Teesta issue would not only solve the water problem but also help build trust, confidence, peace and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

Why Teesta is the number one priority for Bangladesh

The Teesta Water Sharing Agreement is critical to the lives and livelihoods of an estimated 2 crore people in the northern region of Bangladesh, as well as the environment and biodiversity there. It is the main source of water for growing boro rice, Bangladesh’s largest crop, and irrigates close to 14% of the total acreage of the country. The main problem of the Teesta River is the unilateral withdrawal of water by India, especially during the dry season.

In addition, in West Bengal and Sikkim, upstream in India, various infrastructures including dams, barrages and hydroelectric dams have been built, greatly reducing the availability of water in lower Bangladesh. As a result, the lack of water affects agriculture in 8-10 districts of the northern region of Bangladesh, which is known as one of the breadbaskets of the country.

According to a study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Bangladesh loses about 1.5 million metric tons of Boro rice annuallyor 8.9% of total rice production, due to water shortages in the Tista dam area, with a projected drop of 8% by 2030 and 14% by 2050 due to reduced river flow. In addition, India’s sudden release of monsoon water flooded parts of Bangladesh, causing massive damage to human life and property.

The United Nations Convention on International Watercourses stipulates that an upstream country must consult with a downstream country before building infrastructure on shared rivers. It is necessary for the upstream country to compensate for any damage caused to the downstream country when it builds infrastructure. However, India does not see the need to discuss with Bangladesh, let alone compensation. This goes against the good-neighborly spirit between the two countries, as well as international norms that emphasize the rights of downstream riparian countries such as Bangladesh.

While Bangladesh has been trying for a long time to reach an agreement on the river, India has shied away from it, citing a number of reasons. In 2011, during Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka, a consensus was reached between the two countries that India allocates 37.5% of Teesta waters to Bangladesh, reserving 42.5% for itself during the dry season.

Unfortunately, India has so far not signed the deal, accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of vehemently denying the deal, which is a silly narrative. When the Indian government signed a 30-year Ganges treaty with Bangladesh in 1996, the West Bengal government also opposed the accords.

Actually, the point is not that if Mamata Banerjee objects, the Indian government will not be able to conclude the Teesta Treaty. According to the constitution of India, the enforcement of any agreement with a foreign country is entirely under the jurisdiction of the central government of India. West Bengal or any other state cannot obstruct this process.

According to the international legal system, Bangladesh is entitled to its fair share of the Teesta as a lower riparian country. According to Article 5 of the United Nations Convention on the Use of Water Resources, countries that share a common or international river must use, develop and protect water resources equitably and wisely, taking into account all relevant factors and circumstances.

According to a study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Bangladesh loses about 1.5 million metric tons of Boro rice annually, or 8.9% of total rice production, due to water shortages in the Tista barrage, with the number projected to decline. 8% by 2030 and 14% by 2050 due to reduced river flow.

The Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan serves as an excellent model for water sharing and management of common rivers in Bangladesh and India. Since 1960, the two countries have shared the waters of the Indus and its five rivers equally without serious disputes. In Europe, 12 Central and Eastern European countries have been using the Danube River for a long time on the basis of mutual responsibility and international norms.

The deadlock in the Teeest water agreement became a stumbling block in the development of relations between the peoples of the two friendly countries. The settlement of the dispute will help economically not only Bangladesh but also India. A successful implementation of the treaty will send a favorable signal to Bangladesh, allaying Bangladeshis’ concerns about India’s intentions. India will be able to strengthen its position as a reliable ally of Bangladesh in the neighboring region, allowing it to build a strong economic and strategic partnership without worrying about the ruling party in Bangladesh.

In addition, a permanent and peaceful solution to the problem can help both countries to undertake various mutually beneficial projects in new areas of cooperation, such as flood control, environmental protection, electricity and energy. Thus, in keeping with international water principles, India and Bangladesh should take urgent steps to implement the Teesta Water Treaty.

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Sketch: TBS

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Sketch: TBS