India and Bangladesh have structured mechanism for Ganga Water Treaty, says MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that a mechanism exists to manage treaty requirements ahead of the December 12 expiry.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday said that India and Bangladesh have a "structured mechanism" to handle the requirements of the Ganga Water Treaty. According to The Hindu, the treaty is set to expire on December 12.
MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a media briefing that India has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit New Delhi. However, Jaiswal said there is no update regarding the renewal of the treaty or the dates for the visit.
The bilateral agreement for river water sharing was signed in 1996. The treaty requires expert-level and political consultations for renewal, which would involve a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Jaiswal added that India wishes to have a "positive relationship" with Bangladesh and wants to work towards a "positive, forward looking and constructive relation."
The spokesperson also noted that India is following developments in Bangladesh, including protests by readymade garment industry workers demanding fair wages amid inflation and an electricity crisis.