Academic Research Illuminates Transboundary Water Challenges
Recent scholarly work by a Jawaharlal Nehru University alumnus has brought fresh analytical depth to the long-standing issue of river water sharing between India and Bangladesh. The publication examines the legal, political, and practical dimensions of agreements governing the Ganges and Teesta rivers, two of the 54 transboundary waterways shared by the two nations.
India and Bangladesh have navigated water diplomacy since the 1970s, with the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty serving as the cornerstone framework. That accord, which allocates dry-season flows at the Farakka Barrage, is scheduled to expire in 2026, prompting renewed academic and policy attention.
The Scholar Behind the Analysis
Amit Ranjan, who completed advanced studies at JNU’s School of International Studies, has contributed significantly to this field. His research, published in the journal Regional & Federal Studies, applies a two-level game framework to understand how domestic politics in both countries influence bilateral water negotiations.
Ranjan’s broader body of work, including the book Contested Waters: India’s Transboundary River Water Disputes in South Asia, situates these issues within the larger context of South Asian hydro-diplomacy. His affiliation with JNU’s Centre for South Asian Studies underscores the university’s longstanding strength in regional studies.
Context of the Ganges and Teesta Rivers
The Ganges, known as the Padma in Bangladesh, supports hundreds of millions of people across the basin. The 1996 treaty established a formula for sharing flows during the critical January-to-May period, based on historical data from 1949 to 1988. Implementation has involved the Joint Rivers Commission, though challenges persist around data transparency and climate variability.
The Teesta River, vital for irrigation in northwestern Bangladesh and parts of Indian states, remains without a comprehensive agreement despite decades of talks. An interim arrangement on the Kushiyara River in 2022 marked the first new water-sharing pact in 25 years, offering a model for incremental progress.
Legal and International Perspectives
Scholarly examinations often reference principles from international water law, including equitable utilization and the obligation not to cause significant harm. Ranjan’s analysis highlights how these norms interact with bilateral treaties and domestic federal structures in India, where state-level interests in West Bengal and other regions shape central policy.
Related research published in the Asian Journal of Law and Policy by Noor Israth Jahan explores similar themes through the lens of international practice, emphasizing the need for updated frameworks that account for climate change impacts on river flows.
Photo by Md.Sabbir Sikder on Unsplash
JNU’s Role in South Asian Water Studies
Jawaharlal Nehru University has long been a hub for research on South Asian international relations, including transboundary resource management. Its Centre for South Asian Studies regularly produces alumni who contribute to think tanks, universities, and diplomatic circles across the region.
Faculty and researchers at JNU have examined water politics through conferences, publications, and collaborations with institutions in Bangladesh and beyond. This academic ecosystem supports evidence-based policy discussions ahead of the 2026 treaty renewal.
Implications for Higher Education and Research
The publication exemplifies how Indian universities are generating rigorous, policy-relevant scholarship on regional challenges. For PhD candidates and early-career researchers, such work demonstrates opportunities in interdisciplinary fields combining international law, environmental studies, and political science.
Indian higher education institutions are increasingly emphasizing research on climate resilience and transboundary governance. Programs at JNU and peer universities prepare scholars to engage with real-world issues like river basin management, offering pathways into academia, government advisory roles, and international organizations.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Future Outlook
Both nations recognize the mutual benefits of cooperative water management, particularly as climate change intensifies variability in monsoon patterns and dry-season flows. Academic analyses stress the value of data-sharing protocols, joint infrastructure projects, and benefit-sharing approaches beyond simple volumetric allocation.
Renewal discussions in 2026 will likely involve updated modeling that incorporates recent hydrological data and environmental considerations. Scholars like Ranjan argue that addressing domestic political dynamics in India and Bangladesh will be essential for sustainable agreements.
Broader Regional Context
India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, yet formal agreements cover only a handful. The success of incremental deals, such as the Kushiyara arrangement, suggests potential for similar progress on the Teesta and other waterways. Academic research provides neutral platforms for exploring these possibilities without immediate political constraints.
Universities across South Asia are expanding collaborations on water security, with JNU alumni often playing bridging roles between Indian and Bangladeshi academic communities.
Photo by Md.Sabbir Sikder on Unsplash
Opportunities for Researchers and Institutions
The evolving water-sharing landscape creates demand for expertise in hydro-diplomacy, international environmental law, and regional political economy. Indian universities are well-positioned to lead in these areas through dedicated centers, joint degree programs, and funded research initiatives.
Early-career academics can contribute by analyzing treaty implementation data, modeling climate scenarios, or examining the role of subnational actors in bilateral negotiations.
Looking Ahead to Sustainable Cooperation
As the 1996 treaty approaches its end, scholarly contributions from JNU-affiliated researchers offer valuable insights for policymakers. Balanced, evidence-driven analysis supports the development of frameworks that promote equitable and climate-resilient water management between India and Bangladesh.
Higher education institutions in India continue to foster the next generation of experts who can advance dialogue and practical solutions in this critical domain.