What Is the Indus Waters Treaty That India Suspended After the Jammu & Kashmir Terror Attack?
In a decisive response to the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left 26 dead, the Indian government has announced a series of measures against Pakistan—most notably, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark water-sharing agreement that has governed the use of key rivers between the two countries for over six decades.
Here’s a detailed look at the Indus Waters Treaty and its significance:
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Overview of the Indus Waters Treaty
• Signed on September 19, 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty is a bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan brokered by the World Bank, which also acts as a guarantor. The treaty was the result of nine years of negotiations aimed at preventing water-related conflicts between the two nations following Partition.
• The treaty established a mechanism for cooperation and information-sharing regarding the use and management of six rivers that flow between India and Pakistan.
How the Waters Are Shared
1. Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi):
o These rivers, which provide about 33 million acre-feet (MAF) of water annually, were allocated exclusively to India.
o India has unrestricted rights to use these waters for agriculture, domestic, and industrial purposes.
2. Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab):
o These rivers, with an annual flow of about 135 MAF, were largely allocated to Pakistan.
o India can use these waters for non-consumptive purposes, such as hydroelectric power generation, provided projects follow specific design and operational criteria.
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Key Provisions of the Treaty
• Hydroelectric Projects:
India is allowed to build “run-of-the-river” hydroelectric plants on the western rivers, but the design must comply with strict guidelines to avoid harming Pakistan’s water supply.
• Dispute Resolution Mechanism:
Pakistan has the right to raise objections to Indian projects, and both countries have designated Permanent Indus Commissioners to resolve disagreements. These commissioners are required to meet at least once a year, alternating between India and Pakistan.
• Amendments and Modifications:
The treaty includes provisions that allow for modifications by mutual consent through a ratified treaty between both governments.
• Spirit of the Treaty:
The preamble emphasizes the intent of both nations to use the waters of the Indus system in a spirit of goodwill and friendship, aiming for “complete and satisfactory utilization” of the shared rivers.
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Historical Significance
The Indus Waters Treaty has long been hailed as a rare example of sustained cooperation between India and Pakistan, even during periods of intense military and diplomatic tension. It has survived wars, conflicts, and cross-border disputes, making India’s decision to suspend the treaty particularly historic.
Originally signed by then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan, the treaty has shaped water management in the region for over 60 years.
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Why It Matters Now
By suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, India is signaling a fundamental shift in its policy toward Pakistan in response to state-sponsored terrorism. Experts warn that the move could have far-reaching consequences, especially for Pakistan’s agriculture-dependent economy, which heavily relies on the water from western rivers now under renewed scrutiny.
The suspension of the treaty is seen not just as a diplomatic measure, but as a strategic recalibration of how India engages with Pakistan amid continued acts of cross-border terrorism.
