Teesta River Water-Sharing Debate Highlights Climate and Diplomatic Challenges
Teesta River Water-Sharing Debate Highlights Climate and Diplomatic Challenges
IN · Published Sep 21, 2026
The Teesta River, flowing through Sikkim, West Bengal, and Bangladesh, has been at the centre of a long-standing water-sharing dispute between India and Bangladesh.
The debate has evolved beyond the allocation of water percentages to address broader issues such as climate change, agricultural security, and federal politics.

Impact & Risks

The Teesta water-sharing dispute has significant implications for agriculture and livelihoods in northern West Bengal and Bangladesh's Rangpur region, particularly during the dry season. Declining river flows threaten irrigation and food security, with agriculture accounting for 93% of Bangladesh's water demand. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, making fixed water-sharing agreements less effective. The dispute also impacts India-Bangladesh relations, regional connectivity, and the broader hydro-diplomatic landscape involving 54 shared rivers.

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