Blog Details

By Timir Baran Chatterjee

Mentor: International Trade Committee, Bengal Chamber of Commerce

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT), signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan, is one of the most enduring international agreements over shared water resources. Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty aimed to divide the waters of the Indus River system between the two newly partitioned nations, helping avert further conflict over water. More than 60 years later, this treaty remains vital for both countries, though it has become a point of contention, especially from India’s perspective, as socio-economic realities have evolved.

A. What is the Indus Water Treaty?

The Indus Water Treaty governs the use and distribution of water from the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. It was signed after years of negotiation and tensions, ensuring both nations could manage this essential resource for agriculture, industry, and drinking water. It provides a cooperative framework that has survived wars and political hostilities between the two countries, making it a rare symbol of diplomacy in a volatile region.

B. Major Terms and Conditions of the Treaty

The treaty allocates six rivers in the Indus basin—three eastern rivers and three western rivers—between the two countries. The major terms of the treaty include:

1. Water Allocation:

India controls the eastern rivers—Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi—while Pakistan receives the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.

2. Limited Use by India:

Although the three western rivers flow through India, the treaty allows India only limited usage for domestic, agricultural, and non-consumptive uses, like hydropower generation, without altering the flow of the rivers to Pakistan.

3. Joint Monitoring Mechanism:

The treaty established a Permanent Indus Commission, comprising one commissioner from each country, responsible for dealing with disputes and ensuring compliance with the treaty.

4. Indefinite Duration:

The treaty does not have a specific expiration date and is intended to continue unless either party wishes to renegotiate or terminate it, which has been the subject of debate recently.

C. Rivers Connected with the Treaty

The treaty governs the six rivers of the Indus River system:

1. Indus River

2. Jhelum River

3. Chenab River

4. Ravi River

5. Beas River

6. Sutlej River

While the first three are primarily allocated to Pakistan, the latter three are assigned to India. These rivers serve as the lifeblood for agricultural activities, supporting millions of people in both countries.

D. Concerns of India and Pakistan

For Pakistan, the Indus Water Treaty is critical as it provides access to 80% of its water resources. Any disruption to the flow of the western rivers would cause massive water shortages, threatening agriculture, food security, and livelihoods. Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concerns over India’s construction of hydroelectric projects, such as the Kishanganga and Ratle dams, which Islamabad fears could affect the downstream flow.

India, while respecting the treaty’s terms, feels constrained by the limitations it imposes on its use of the western rivers. Given its growing population, increasing demand for water, and the need for hydropower development, India has shown interest in reviewing the treaty.

E. Why India Wants to Review the Treaty

India is now reevaluating the treaty, citing socio-economic factors. The country argues that the treaty, designed in 1960, does not consider the current water needs of its growing economy. India faces increasing water scarcity due to climate change, urbanization, and industrialization. It wants to make better use of the western rivers while addressing internal water demands for agriculture and energy. The Indian government believes the treaty gives Pakistan undue advantages, especially as Indian-controlled rivers often run dry.

F. Resolving the Dispute

Dispute resolution mechanisms already exist within the treaty itself. The Permanent Indus Commission plays a key role, and disagreements can also be escalated to international arbitration through neutral experts and bodies such as the World Bank. However, finding a resolution will require both India and Pakistan to adopt a cooperative approach, emphasizing diplomacy over confrontation.

A fair solution could involve:

1. Renegotiating Water Use:

India and Pakistan could explore renegotiating water-sharing rules that account for new challenges, such as climate change and water conservation needs.

2. Technological Innovations:

Both nations could collaborate on technology, including more efficient irrigation practices and sustainable water management systems.

3. Third-Party Mediation:

If bilateral talks stall, international mediation through the World Bank or United Nations could help bring both parties to an agreement.

In conclusion, while the Indus Water Treaty has maintained peace over water for decades, changing socio-economic realities demand an updated framework. Only through continued diplomacy and possible revisions can India and Pakistan ensure their populations receive adequate water while averting future conflicts.