Indus Water Treaty: A Landmark in Water Diplomacy

Explore the Indus Water Treaty, a pivotal agreement between India and Pakistan, ensuring fair water distribution and fostering regional cooperation.

Trending News Fox, Digital Desk Team, Kolkata

Edited by Saibal Bose

Indus Water Treaty: A Landmark in Water Diplomacy

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960, is one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in the world. It governs the sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. These are two nations with a complex and often tense relationship. Despite multiple wars and diplomatic standoffs, the treaty has largely endured. It serves as a critical tool for cooperation over shared water resources.

Indus Water Treaty: Background and Context

The Indus River system is one of the largest in the world. Its basin spans parts of China, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. After the partition of British India in 1947, disputes arose over the control and usage of the river’s waters. This tension prompted intervention from the World Bank. The World Bank brokered negotiations. This led to the signing of the treaty in Karachi on September 19, 1960. The treaty was signed by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan.

Key Provisions of the Treaty

The treaty divides the six rivers of the Indus system between the two countries:

• Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej): Allocated to India for unrestricted use.
• Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab): Allocated primarily to Pakistan. India is permitted limited use for agriculture. It can also use them for power generation and domestic purposes.

India agreed to fund and build a series of canals. They also committed to constructing storage facilities. This was to compensate Pakistan for the loss of water from the eastern rivers.

Indus Water Treaty: Significance of the Treaty

1. Resilience Amid Tensions: The treaty has remained in force despite several military conflicts. These include wars in 1965 and 1971. The Kargil conflict in 1999 was another significant conflict.
2. Water Security: It provides a stable framework for water sharing, crucial for agriculture and livelihoods, particularly in Pakistan.
3. Diplomatic Leverage: The treaty serves as both a tool of cooperation and a point of leverage in diplomatic negotiations.

Recent Developments

In recent years, there has been increasing strain on the treaty. India has raised concerns about cross-border terrorism and has discussed revisiting or suspending the treaty as a strategic choice. Meanwhile, Pakistan has sought international arbitration over new Indian hydropower projects like Kishanganga and Ratle, arguing they violate treaty provisions.

In 2023, India issued a notice seeking modification of the treaty. They cited Pakistan’s repeated referrals to third-party arbitration. Pakistan not resolve disputes bilaterally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the Indus Water Treaty?
The Indus Water Treaty is a 1960 agreement. It was established between India and Pakistan for sharing the waters of the Indus River system.

Q2: Who brokered the treaty?
The treaty was brokered by the World Bank.

Q3: Which rivers are included in the treaty?
The six rivers include the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab (Western – for Pakistan) and Ravi, Beas, Sutlej (Eastern – for India).

Q4: Why is the treaty significant?
It is a rare example of a successful long-term water-sharing agreement between two rival countries. This agreement ensures water security. It also prevents major conflicts over water.

Q5: Can the treaty be revoked?
While there is a provision for modification, unilateral revocation is not straightforward and have serious international and humanitarian implications.

Q6: What are the current challenges facing the treaty?
Key challenges include climate change, growing water demands, and geopolitical tensions, particularly around Indian hydropower projects.

Tags

• #IndusWaterTreaty
• #IndiaPakistanRelations
• #WaterDiplomacy
• #HydropowerDisputes
• #IndusRiver
• #SouthAsiaPolitics
• #InternationalTreaties
• #ClimateChange
• #Geopolitics
• #WaterSecurity