INDUS WATERS TREATY: HISTORY, PROVISIONS, AND INDIA’S DEMANDS FOR MODIFICATION
1. What is the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)?
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 by India and Pakistan under the auspices of the World Bank, governs the distribution of water from the Indus River and its tributaries between the two countries. The Treaty allocates the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) to Pakistan and the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India.
2. Why was the Indus Waters Treaty created?
The treaty was established to settle water-sharing disputes between India and Pakistan after the partition in 1947. The partition divided the Indus river system, which was critical to both nations’ agriculture and livelihoods. The treaty is considered one of the most successful examples of conflict resolution over shared water resources.
3. What are the key provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty?
• Water allocation: The treaty allocates the waters of the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan, while India retains control over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej).
• Limited usage: India is allowed to use water from the western rivers for non-consumptive purposes such as irrigation, power generation, and navigation.
• Dispute resolution: The Treaty provides a mechanism to address disputes through a Neutral Expert, a Permanent Indus Commission, and, in extreme cases, arbitration via a Court of Arbitration.
4. What modifications is India seeking?
India is demanding modifications to the Indus Waters Treaty for several reasons:
• Obstructive behavior by Pakistan: Indian officials argue that Pakistan has been obstructing Indian projects on its side of the Indus basin, particularly the Ratle and Kishenganga hydropower projects.
• Review of dispute resolution mechanism: India has criticized the involvement of both the Neutral Expert and the Court of Arbitration at the same time, as facilitated by the World Bank, for resolving disputes. India believes this dual process undermines the efficiency of the dispute resolution process.
• Updated context: India highlights that since the Treaty was signed in 1960, there have been fundamental changes, such as population growth and greater agricultural demands, along with the increasing need for clean energy to meet emission targets. Moreover, India’s government is dissatisfied with how the Treaty does not reflect modern challenges like cross-border terrorism, which has affected the Treaty’s smooth functioning.
5. Why is India dissatisfied with the Treaty?
• India believes the Treaty was concluded with an overly optimistic view of relations with Pakistan. The rise of cross-border terrorism, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, has prompted India to reassess the fairness of the Treaty.
• Some Indian states, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Haryana, have been advocating for a review of the Treaty, claiming that they were not adequately consulted when it was signed, and their water rights were compromised.
6. Historical context and demands from Indian states
• Jammu and Kashmir: There have been long-standing demands from Jammu and Kashmir to review the Treaty, as the region feels that its water rights were curtailed under the Treaty.
• Punjab and Haryana: These states could potentially benefit from more irrigation projects and new water management technologies if India could fully utilize the water from its share of the rivers under the Treaty.
7. Conclusion
India’s recent move to modify the Indus Waters Treaty reflects both its frustration with Pakistan’s obstructive stance and a desire to rectify historical imbalances. The need for more water to meet population demands, clean energy goals, and to counteract the impacts of cross-border terrorism have led India to seek a revision of the Treaty.
This move could lead to significant diplomatic negotiations between the two nations, and potentially even international involvement if both parties cannot come to an agreement.