India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in 1960 as a water-sharing arrangement. Despite surviving many conflicts between the two countries, the deal, which was mediated by the World Bank, is regarded as one of the most effective international water-sharing accords.
Table of Contents
- What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
- Historical Background of the Indus Waters Treaty
- Key Provisions of the Treaty
- Distribution of Rivers
- Institutional Mechanism: The Indus Commission
- Major Disputes and Challenges
- Recent Developments and Current Status
- Environmental and Climate Concerns
- FAQs on Indus Waters Treaty
- Conclusion
What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty, a cornerstone of South Asian regional stability and global diplomacy, is more than just a bilateral water-sharing agreement. It governs the distribution of the waters of the Indus River system, which feeds over 300 million people, between India and Pakistan, two neighbours with nuclear weapons. Because it has survived governmental transitions, full-fledged conflicts, and periods of enormous stress, the agreement has earned international recognition as an example of cooperative water resource management. The treaty strikes a challenging balance between upstream and downstream needs by ensuring an uninterrupted supply of water to Pakistan’s agrarian economy while granting India access to non-consumptive uses of the western rivers.
Historical Background
- Partition of British India (1947) led to the division of the Indus river system, which spans across both countries.
- Water disputes quickly arose, especially since India controlled the headworks of key rivers.
- To resolve the impasse, the World Bank initiated negotiations in 1952, leading to the signing of the treaty on September 19, 1960 by:
- President Ayub Khan (Pakistan)
- Jawaharlal Nehru (India)
Key Provisions
- The Indus Waters Treaty allocates the eastern rivers to India and the western rivers to Pakistan:
- Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
- Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab
Usage Rights:
- Pakistan has exclusive rights over western rivers, although India is allowed limited usage for agriculture, domestic needs, and run-of-the-river hydropower projects under certain conditions.
- India has exclusive rights over eastern rivers.
Distribution of Rivers
| River | Allocated To | Usage Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Ravi | India | Exclusive |
| Beas | India | Exclusive |
| Sutlej | India | Exclusive |
| Indus | Pakistan | Exclusive, with limited Indian use |
| Jhelum | Pakistan | Exclusive, with limited Indian use |
| Chenab | Pakistan | Exclusive, with limited Indian use |
Institutional Mechanism: The Indus Commission
- The Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) is established under the treaty to handle routine data sharing, technical cooperation, and resolve disputes.
- Each country appoints a Commissioner.
- Annual meetings are held alternately in India and Pakistan.
Major Disputes and Challenges
Despite the treaty’s success, several disputes have arisen, including:
1. Baglihar Dam Dispute
- India built a dam on the Chenab River.
- Pakistan objected, alleging violation of the treaty.
- World Bank-appointed neutral expert allowed the dam with minor modifications (2007 ruling).
2. Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project
- India’s project on Jhelum’s tributary was challenged by Pakistan.
- A Court of Arbitration (2013) allowed the project but restricted India’s ability to divert water.
3. Tulbul Navigation Project
- Suspended since 1987 due to Pakistani objections.
4. Recent Water Sharing Tensions
- In 2016, after the Uri attack, India hinted at re-evaluating the treaty, reigniting regional tensions.
Recent Developments and Current Status
- In January 2023, India issued a notice to Pakistan to modify the treaty, citing repeated objections and delays in arbitration.
- The move has stirred debates on the future of the treaty amidst geopolitical tensions.
- Both countries continue data sharing and technical talks under the treaty framework.
Environmental and Climate Concerns
- Glacier retreat in the Himalayas threatens the long-term flow of the Indus River system.
- Climate change, population growth, and agriculture demands in both countries pose risks to water availability.
- Joint climate-resilient water strategies are urgently needed to sustain the Indus basin.
FAQs on Indus Waters Treaty
Q1: Who brokered the Indus Waters Treaty?
A: The World Bank played a key mediating role in the treaty’s formulation.
Q2: Can India revoke the treaty?
A: While difficult under international law, India has hinted at reviewing or modifying the treaty during periods of tension.
Q3: Is the treaty still effective today?
A: Yes, despite challenges, the treaty is still operational, with regular meetings and data exchange.
Conclusion
The Indus Waters Treaty is an unusual example of long-term diplomacy between antagonistic neighbours. Despite being tested by political conflicts, environmental changes, and regional wars, the alliance has mostly stayed together for more than six decades. However, in order to remain relevant in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment and climate, India and Pakistan must prioritise collaboration, transparency, and adaptive approaches.
Suggested Readings
- World Bank’s official Indus Treaty portal
- “The Indus Waters Treaty”
- “Rivers of Contention” – A report by International Rivers