The Indus Water Treaty (IWT): A Landmark in Water Diplomacy!!

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT), signed on September 19, 1960, is a pivotal water-distribution agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank. This treaty is often heralded as a rare symbol of cooperation amidst the turbulent and hostile relations between the two nations. U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower once described the treaty as a "bright spot" in a bleak global scenario. Its primary aim is to ensure equitable sharing of the waters of the Indus River system, which sustains millions of lives across both countries.

Indus River System

    The Indus River system comprises six major rivers: the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. The Indus and Sutlej originate in Tibet, while the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Beas originate in India. The rivers follow a complex flow pattern, with all but the Ravi eventually flowing into Pakistan, making the system critical for the water security of both nations.

Water Allocation

The treaty divides the rivers into two groups:

1. Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): India has unrestricted rights over these rivers, while Pakistan receives a limited supply.
2. Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): Pakistan enjoys unrestricted use of these rivers, while India is permitted limited usage for purposes such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and storage, subject to stringent conditions laid out in the treaty.

Key Provisions

The treaty is upheld by several important mechanisms:

1. Permanent Indus Commission (PIC): This bilateral body comprises representatives from both nations overseeing treaty implementation, resolving disputes, and exchanging data.
2. Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Issues are addressed in stages: first by the PIC, then by a Neutral Expert appointed by the World Bank, and ultimately by the International Court of Arbitration (ICA) if necessary.
3. Annual Meetings: The treaty mandates regular dialogue, requiring both nations to meet annually to discuss and address bilateral water-sharing concerns.

Significance for Pakistan

    The Indus River system plays a vital role in Pakistan's economy, irrigating 110,000 square kilometers and supporting the country's agricultural backbone in Punjab and Sindh. With agriculture contributing significantly to Pakistan's GDP, the water security provided by the treaty is a lifeline for its population. Concerns and Disputes

Over the years, the IWT has faced numerous challenges, often reflecting the strained political relations between the two countries:

1. Baglihar Dam (2007): Pakistan raised concerns about India's construction of this dam on the Chenab River, claiming it violated the treaty. India maintained compliance, and a Neutral Expert largely upheld India's position, recommending minor design changes.
2. Kishanganga and Ratle Projects (2016): These Indian projects on the Jhelum and Chenab Rivers drew objections from Pakistan, which approached both the Neutral Expert and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). Pakistan later withdrew from the Neutral Expert process, leading India to boycott PCA hearings.
3. Post-Uri Attack (2016): Following the terrorist attack in Uri, India suspended talks under the IWT, signaling an escalation in tensions.

Recent Developments

    Since January 2023, India has issued four notices to Pakistan, calling for renegotiation of certain treaty provisions, reflecting the changing political and environmental realities. In 2025, the World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert ruled that he was competent to address Pakistan's concerns about the design of India's hydroelectric projects on the Western Rivers, further emphasizing the treaty's evolving dynamics.

India's Right to Withdraw

    Under Article 64 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, India retains the sovereign right to withdraw from the IWT if it deems the treaty incompatible with its national interests. However, withdrawal could severely impact regional stability and water security, potentially worsening Indo-Pak relations.

Conclusion

    The Indus Water Treaty remains a cornerstone of water diplomacy, balancing cooperation and contention between India and Pakistan. Despite its success in sustaining collaboration over shared water resources, rising tensions over hydroelectric projects and political differences pose significant challenges. As water security becomes an increasingly critical issue in the region, the treaty's durability will depend on the willingness of both nations to resolve disputes through constructive dialogue. Ensuring its relevance in the face of evolving geopolitical and environmental pressures will be essential for peace and sustainability in South Asia.

By - Unnati Vaishnav, The News Grit, 25/01/2025