New Delhi, Aug. 13 -- India and Bangladesh's 30-year-old Ganges water deal is set to expire by 2026. Deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reached a tacit accord with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on its prompt renewal during her recent visit to New Delhi in June. The Ganga treaty, which was signed in 1996, opened up a new course for regional cooperation between Bangladesh and India that has social, political, and economical significance. This path should be renewed for both national development and the water security of their own basins. However, the recent political unrest in Bangladesh raises important concerns about the renewal of the Ganges water deal and could have major repercussions.

Bangladesh receives almost 91% of its water from...