Tying up the relations on a drying river: imperatives behind Tista water-sharing between India and Bangladesh in south Asia

The long-standing political negotiation between India and Bangladesh over the Tista/Teesta River water-sharing has overlooked critical issues like climate‑driven hydrological risks and human interventions, exacerbating water stress in the basin. This article synthesizes insights from past research and empirical evidence to identify three interlinked challenges shaping the prospects of a future Tista water treaty: (1) politicization of water‑sharing, (2) widening imbalances in water supply and demand, and (3) the resulting escalation of complex water allocation and governance challenges. Addressing these issues through an integrated analytical lens is essential for advancing a sustainable, equitable, and climate‑resilient water‑sharing framework.