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Indus Water Treaty
Context:
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a pivotal water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, signed on September 19, 1960, in Karachi. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, aimed to resolve disputes over the use of the Indus River and its tributaries following the partition of British India in 1947.
Key Provisions of the Treaty:
- The treaty allocates the waters of the Indus River system as follows:
- Eastern Rivers: India has control over the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers.
- Western Rivers: Pakistan has control over the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers.
- India is permitted to use the waters of the Western Rivers for limited irrigation and unlimited non-consumptive purposes such as hydroelectric power generation.
- The treaty also established the Permanent Indus Commission, which facilitates cooperation and serves as a mechanism for dispute resolution between the two countries.
Significance of the Treaty:
- Conflict Resolution: The IWT is often cited as one of the most successful transboundary water-sharing agreements globally. It has prevented water wars between India and Pakistan despite several military conflicts since its signing.
- Framework for Cooperation: The treaty provides a structured framework for cooperation on water management, allowing both nations to exchange data and address disputes through established channels.
- Stability in Relations: By providing a legal framework for water sharing, the IWT has contributed to a degree of stability in India-Pakistan relations, even during periods of heightened tensions.
- Adaptability: The treaty includes mechanisms for dispute resolution that have been utilized to address various disagreements over water usage.
Fallouts Due to Bilateral Tensions:
The treaty has faced challenges amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan:
- Kishanganga Dam Controversy: In 2017, India completed construction on the Kishanganga dam in Kashmir, which Pakistan claimed violated the treaty’s provisions. This led to disputes that were brought before international arbitration.
- Recent Notices for Review: On August 30, 2024, India issued a formal notice to Pakistan seeking a review of the treaty under Article XII(3), citing “fundamental and unforeseen changes” that necessitate a reassessment of obligations. These changes include demographic shifts, environmental concerns, and issues related to cross-border terrorism.
- Ongoing Disputes: Tensions have escalated with India’s development of hydroelectric projects like Ratle on rivers covered by the treaty, which Pakistan views as violations of its rights under the IWT.