Indus Water Treaty (IWT)

Latest News

• Treaty Suspension: India suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) following a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir (26 civilians killed), signaling a strategic shift in its approach to transboundary water management.

• India’s Stance: The suspension reflects intent to assert greater control over rivers under its jurisdiction and accelerate hydroelectric dam projects on western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).

About the Indus Water Treaty (1960)

• Signing: Signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan, mediated by the World Bank.

• Objective: Ensure cooperative sharing of the Indus River System (6 rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej).

• Key Provisions:

  1. River Allocation:

     • Pakistan: Unrestricted use of western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab – ~80% of water volume).

     • India: Exclusive rights to eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej – ~20% of water volume).

  2. India’s Limited Use: Permitted non-consumptive uses (e.g., hydropower, irrigation) on western rivers under strict conditions.

  3. Permanent Indus Commission (PIC): Bilateral body to resolve disputes, share data, and meet annually.

Implications of Suspension

1. For Pakistan:

   • Water Scarcity: Reduced flow from western rivers could cripple agriculture (irrigates 80% of Pakistan’s farmland).

   • Energy Crisis: Hydropower projects (e.g., Tarbela, Mangla dams) may face shortages, worsening power deficits.

   • Economic Fallout: Agriculture contributes ~24% to Pakistan’s GDP; crop failures could trigger inflation and unemployment.

   • Internal Tensions: Provinces like Sindh and Punjab may clash over dwindling water shares.

2. For India:

   • Strategic Leverage: Potential to fast-track dam projects (e.g., Ratle, Pakal Dul) on western rivers for energy/irrigation.

   • Diplomatic Strain: Risks escalating tensions with Pakistan and scrutiny from international bodies like the World Bank.

Role of the World Bank

• Historical Mediator: Facilitated treaty negotiations and funded infrastructure (e.g., dams, canals) in the 1960s.

• Current Role: May be called upon to arbitrate if the suspension leads to formal disputes.

Key Takeaways

• Geopolitical Flashpoint: The IWT, once a model of cooperation, is now a tool of geopolitical leverage amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.

• Humanitarian Risks: Millions in Pakistan depend on Indus waters for livelihoods; suspension threatens food and water security.

• Global Precedent: Highlights the fragility of transboundary water agreements in conflict zones and the need for robust dispute mechanisms.

FAQs

1. What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

   • Ans: A 1960 India-Pakistan agreement governing shared use of the Indus river system, mediated by the World Bank.

2. Why did India suspend the treaty?

   • Ans: In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, signaling a shift toward prioritizing national control over water resources.

3. How will this affect Pakistan?

   • Ans: Potential water shortages, agricultural collapse, energy deficits, economic instability, and inter-provincial conflicts.