Transboundary Rivers of India: List of Major Rivers Shared With Neighbouring Countries

Rivers have been instrumental in shaping India’s geography, agriculture, culture and economy. Some of India’s most important rivers do not stay within the country’s boundaries but cross international borders. Rivers that flow between the borders of two or more countries are called transboundary rivers. Management often needs cooperation between countries, as millions depend on them for drinking water, farming, transport and ecosystems. India has several major transboundary rivers with neighbouring countries including China, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. 

What Are Transboundary Rivers?

Transboundary rivers are rivers that cross or form the boundaries of two or more countries. As the water resources of these rivers are shared, countries often require agreements and cooperation for their sustainable use. The countries sharing these rivers often talk about shared problems like water sharing, dam building, irrigation and flood management.

Major Transboundary Rivers in India

1. River Indus

The Indus River is one of South Asia’s most important transboundary rivers. The river originates near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, traverses India and then enters Pakistan, where it forms the backbone of the country's agricultural system. The river system is comprised of major tributaries namely Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, signed by India and Pakistan with the assistance of the World Bank, governs the Indus River. The treaty awarded the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas and Sutlej) mainly to India and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum and Chenab) mainly to Pakistan, with some rights for India.

2. Brahmaputra River

The Brahmaputra is one of Asia’s biggest and most powerful rivers. It rises in Tibet where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo and runs through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam before entering Bangladesh. The river is crucial to northeast India, sustaining agriculture, biodiversity and local communities. The Brahmaputra River originates in China and flows through many countries, and is considered one of Asia’s most important transboundary rivers. Large infrastructure projects, including China’s planned hydropower projects on the river, have increased the conversations on water security and river management.

3. Ganga River

One of India's most important rivers, the Ganga is shared with Nepal and Bangladesh. It originates in the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand and flows through Northern India into Bangladesh where it is known as the Padma River. Hundreds of millions of people depend on the Ganga for agriculture , drinking water and religious activities . In 1996 a Ganga Water Sharing Treaty was signed between India and Bangladesh to share water from the Farakka Barrage during the dry season.

4. Teesta River 

Teesta River is a large river which is transboundary between India and Bangladesh. It is born in Sikkim in the Himalayas, flows through West Bengal and enters Bangladesh. The river is also an important source of irrigation and agriculture for both countries. The sharing of waters of the Teesta has been a significant talking point between India and Bangladesh, mainly due to its importance for the farming communities, especially in northern Bangladesh and parts of West Bengal.

5. River Mahakali

The Kali River, or Mahakali River, creates part of the boundary between India and Nepal. The river originates in the Himalayas and is a primary water source for both countries. The river is important for hydropower potential and for irrigation. India and Nepal have treaties in regard to the development and sharing of water resources of the river.

6. River Ghaghara

Ghaghara River is a major tributary of Ganga. It is shared by India and Nepal It rises in Tibet, runs through Nepal and then enters India. The river is a major source of agriculture and water supply in northern India. Being from the Himalayas, it also causes seasonal floods in some areas.

7. Gandaki River

Another important transboundary river between India and Nepal is the Gandaki River (Narayani in Nepal). It originates from the Himalayas and joins the river Ganga in Bihar. It is an important source of irrigation, biodiversity and hydropower development. The Gandaki Agreement between India and Nepal is a water resources cooperation agreement.

8. Kosi River

The Kosi River is one of the major Himalayan rivers that flows between India and Nepal. It has often been called the “Sorrow of Bihar” because of its history of devastating floods. The river originates in Tibet, flows into Nepal and then India before joining the Ganga. The Kosi’s water flow is difficult to manage because of frequent flooding and changing river patterns.