Indus Water Treaty

Context : Court of Arbitration in The Hague on June 27 gave an award on Indus Water Treaty.

The tribunal rejected India’s suspension of the Treaty and reaffirmed its jurisdiction despite India’s absence from the proceedings. India responded swiftly. It called the court illegal, the proceedings irrelevant, and reiterated that the Treaty stands in abeyance until Pakistan abjures cross-border terrorism.

 Introduction  

- The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan.  

- Signed on September 19, 1960, in Karachi.  

- Brokered by the World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - IBRD).  

- The treaty governs the sharing of waters from the Indus River system.  

Countries Involved  

- India (Upper riparian state – controls the source rivers).  

- Pakistan (Lower riparian state – dependent on Indus waters).  

 Key Brokering Organization  

- The World Bank acted as a mediator and provided financial support for dam constructions in Pakistan.  

 Rivers Covered Under the Treaty  

The Indus system comprises six major rivers:  

1. Indus  

2. Jhelum  

3. Chenab (Western Rivers – allocated to Pakistan).  

4. Ravi  

5. Beas  

6. Sutlej (Eastern Rivers – allocated to India).  

 Water Allocation Under the Treaty  

- Pakistan received unrestricted use of the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).  

- India was given full rights over the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej).  

India is allowed limited use of Western Rivers for:  

  - Domestic purposes.  

  - Non-consumptive uses (e.g., hydropower under strict conditions).  

  - Agricultural use (limited to specific acreage).  

 Key Provisions & Agreements  

- Permanent Indus Commission (PIC): A bilateral body to resolve disputes and exchange data.  

Dispute Resolution Mechanism:  

  - Step 1: Negotiations via PIC.  

  - Step 2: Neutral Expert (for technical disputes).  

  - Step 3: Court of Arbitration (for legal disputes).  

 India can build run-of-the-river hydropower projects on Western Rivers but with design restrictions to ensure Pakistan’s water flow isn’t reduced. 

 Major Disputes & Recent Developments  

- Baglihar Dam (2005): Pakistan objected; the World Bank appointed a Neutral Expert who allowed the dam with minor modifications.  

- Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project (2013): Pakistan protested, but the Court of Arbitration permitted India to divert water within limits.  

- Ratle Hydroelectric Project: Ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan.  

- 2016 Uri Attack Aftermath: India reviewed the treaty and explored maximizing Eastern Rivers' usage.  

- 2019 Pulwama Tensions: India threatened to stop Pakistan’s water share but did not abrogate the treaty.  

- 2025 Pahalgam attack : India put the treaty on abeyance and launched operation Sindoor.

 Importance of the Treaty  

- One of the most successful water-sharing treaties globally, surviving multiple wars (1965, 1971, 1999).  

- Critical for Pakistan’s agriculture (80% of its irrigation depends on Indus waters).  

- Strategic leverage for India but used cautiously to avoid humanitarian crises.  

 Challenges & Criticisms  

- Climate Change: Reduced glacier melt may affect water availability.  

- Pakistan’s Dependence: Heavy reliance on Indus waters makes it vulnerable.  

- India’s Underutilization: Has not fully exploited its share of Eastern Rivers.  

- Political Tensions: Any water stoppage could escalate conflicts.