India & Bangladesh agree to expand co-operation in water resources

The India-Bangladesh Water Resources Secretary level meeting under the framework of the Joint Rivers Commission on Tuesday decided to expand cooperation in water resources and also discussed proposed Teesta water sharing deal.

The Indian side at the meet reiterated its sincere commitment and continued efforts of New Delhi with regard to sharing of water resources of common rivers, ET has learnt.

The meeting took place ahead of PM’s March 26-27 Dhaka visit.


The Indian delegation was led by Pankaj Kumar, Secretary (Water Resources, RD &GR). The Bangladesh delegation was led by Kabir Bin Anwar, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources.

Noting that India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers which directly impact the livelihood of people in the two countries, both sides commended the close cooperation that exists between India and Bangladesh in the matter, it has been learnt.

Both sides agreed to expand cooperation across an entire gamut of water resources issues including framework for sharing of river waters, mitigation of pollution, river bank protection, flood management, basin management etc. A Joint Technical Working Group will provide inputs on the matter, it has been further learnt.

Both sides agreed to schedule the next meeting at Secretary level under JRC framework at Dhaka at mutually convenient dates.