Rethinking cooperation: the politics of transboundary water data sharing between India and Bangladesh

Paper by Protiva Adhikary, et al: “Data sharing is often viewed as essential for transboundary water cooperation, fostering trust and reducing uncertainty. Yet, evidence shows that data exchange alone does not ensure collaboration or resilience. This paper examines India–Bangladesh water relations since 1972, drawing on 28 expert interviews and documents. Despite sharing 54 rivers, cooperation remains narrow and reactive – limited to select rivers, monsoon periods, and raw data. Bangladesh’s calls for year-round sharing contrast with India’s caution, revealing power asymmetries. The study argues that data sharing is inherently political, and meaningful cooperation requires institutional commitment to equity, transparency, and climate resilience…(More)”.