India Links Teesta Water Deal to Bangladesh Stability

Teesta dries up in dry season, forcing communities to find other water sources.

Indian Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil has said that political stability in Bangladesh is crucial for advancing the long-stalled Teesta water-sharing agreement.

Speaking on 26 June, the minister pointed to ongoing challenges in finalising the deal, which has remained unresolved for more than a decade despite previous efforts to reach consensus.

A draft framework for the agreement was prepared during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh, but progress stalled due to opposition from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The Teesta river, a vital water source for both nations, has long been at the centre of bilateral negotiations, with Bangladesh seeking an equitable share of its flow.