Introduction of Indus Waters Treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan under the mediation of the World Bank, is one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in the world. It governs the use and distribution of the waters of the Indus River System, which is vital to the lives and agriculture of millions in both countries.
Despite wars, cross-border terrorism, and political tensions, the treaty has survived more than six decades. However, in recent years, India has started reassessing its position, especially in the wake of terrorism and Pakistan’s misuse of international forums.
Despite wars, cross-border terrorism, and political tensions, the treaty has survived more than six decades. However, in recent years, India has started reassessing its position, especially in the wake of terrorism and Pakistan’s misuse of international forums.
Background of the Treaty
After Partition in 1947, India and Pakistan clashed over control of rivers that originated in India but flowed into Pakistan. The disruption of water supply from India to Pakistan in April 1948 intensified the need for a permanent solution.
Under World Bank mediation, negotiations began in 1952 and culminated in the Indus Waters Treaty on 19 September 1960, signed by:
Under World Bank mediation, negotiations began in 1952 and culminated in the Indus Waters Treaty on 19 September 1960, signed by:
. Jawaharlal Nehru (Prime Minister of India)
. Ayub Khan ( President of pakistan)
. Eugene Black ( President of World Bank)
Key Provisions of the Treaty
The IWT divides the six rivers of the Indus basin into two categories:
Eastern Rivers (India gets exclusive rights):
. Ravi
. Beas
.Sutlej
India can use these rivers without any restriction.
Western Rivers (Pakistan gets primary rights):
. Indus
. Jhelum
. Chenab
India is allowed limited use of the western rivers for:
. Domestic purposes
. Non-consumptive uses(eg. Hydroelectricity)
. Limited agricultural use
. Storage within defined limits
Additionally:
. A permanent Indus Commission was established
. Regular data sharing, inspection, and mutual dispute resolution were institutionalized.
. Disputes can be escalated to neutral experts pr international arbitration
Implementation and Cooperation
The treaty is considered a model of transboundary river cooperation. Some notable implementation measures:
. Construction of major dams and barrages in pakistan: e.g. Mangla dam (Jhelum), Tarbela Dam (Indus)
. Indian hydropower project: Kishanganga (Jhelum tributary), Ratle (Chenab), Baglihar (Chenab).
Despite multiple conflicts (1965, 1971, Kargil), water sharing remained largely unaffected.
Issues and Challenges
Hydropower Disputes
Pakistan has objected to Indian projects like Kishanganga and Baglihar, claiming violations of the treaty. India maintains they follow the treaty’s non-consumptive use clause.
Changing Geopolitics and Terrorism
Post-Uri and Pulwama attacks, India’s policy shifted toward rethinking the “generosity” shown under the IWT despite Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism.
Climate Change
Glacial melt, erratic monsoons, and shrinking snow cover are affecting river flow patterns, requiring treaty modernization.
Data Sharing and Transparency
Trust deficit affects cooperation, with Pakistan often objecting to Indian designs before official data submission.
India’s Evolving Stand
After Pulwama(2019) :India declared it would maximise usage of its share under the treaty , especially the eastern rivers, some of which flow unused into pakistan
January 2023: India issued a notice to Pakistan seeking modification of the IWT treaty, citing a “material breach” due to delays and misuse of the dispute resolution mechanism
India accused Pakistan of “ Weaponising “ the treaty through repeated international arbitration
Recent Developments
(As of 2024–25):
. Indias’s Formal Notice (2023):
India invoked Article XII(3) to renegotiate the treaty , giving pakistan 90 days to respond
2. Neutral Experts vs. Court of Arbitration:
Two parallel mechanisms were activated for dispute resolution on the kishanganga snd Ratle projects, causing procedural confusion.
3. India infrastructure Push:
Projects like Shahpur Kandi, Ujh Multipurpose, and 2nd Ravi Beas link are part of India’s attempt to fully Utilize its allocated water
Strategic Significance for India
. National security: Reducing water dependency as a strategic tool
. Food and water security: Especially in Jammu & Kashmir and punjab
. Energy generation: Boosting run - of the river hydropower
. Regional influence: Using water diplomacy as leverage
Way Forward
1. Modernisation of the treaty
2. Include climate change data , groundwater use, and flood forecasting
3. Institutional Reforms: Upgrade the Indus commission to include environmental experts, climate
scientists.
4. Avoid Militarization of water: India should avoid water as a direct weapon , but leverage it
Diplomatically
Modi cabinet 3.0: https://www.thebriefdesk.com/2025/06/modi-30-cabinet-full-list-key.html
Conclusion
The Indus Waters Treaty has stood the test of time, showcasing that even bitter enemies can share resources peacefully. However, changing geopolitical dynamics, environmental shifts, and Pakistan’s misuse of legal mechanisms call for reassessment and rational renegotiation.
For UPSC aspirants, the IWT is not just a case of international water law but a lens to study diplomacy, strategy, environment, and national interest.
For UPSC aspirants, the IWT is not just a case of international water law but a lens to study diplomacy, strategy, environment, and national interest.
