The Centre has reassured its ally Janata Dal United (JDU) that it will make a decision on the Farakka treaty, taking into account Bihar's critical water needs for both drinking and industrial purposes.

A letter from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Jha, dated August 28, 2026, referenced a Special Mention in Rajya Sabha on August 6, 2026, where Jha pushed for protection of Bihar's water interests in the renewal of the Ganga water sharing treaty with Bangladesh.

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Jaishankar informed jha that inter-ministerial

Jaishankar informed Jha that inter-ministerial discussions were held under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, involving various stakeholders to comprehensively examine the implementation and future of the treaty.

A representative from the Bihar government participated in these consultations on August 22, October 30, March 15, 2024, and May 31, 2024, where their views and requirements, including drinking water and industrial needs, were considered.

"The Government will take an appropriate decision keeping these factors in mind," Jaishankar wrote.

Jha expressed satisfaction with the response, saying it was a moment of joy for every citizen of Bihar.

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"We sincerely hope that any decision taken will not be seen as favouring us but rather aligns with our scientific assessment to ensure 13 crore people have access to drinking water, irrigation, and industrial supply for another 30 years," Jha said.

The JDU will continue to press the case for a settled and scientific share for Bihar in the waters of the Ganga and its tributaries, a matter Jha had previously raised during his tenure as Water Resources Minister in the previous government.