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Home / UPSC Editorials / Indus Water Treaty Renegotiation

Indus Water Treaty Renegotiation: Challenges & Issues | UPSC Editorials

Last Updated on Sep 24, 2024
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Recently, India has escalated its demand for renegotiation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) that was brokered by the World Bank in 1960. This move by India or situation marks a significant shift in the historically cooperative framework established by the historic treaty which reflects broader tensions in India-Pakistan relations.

Analysis Based On

Article published in The Hindu on Indus Water Treaty Negotiations

Topics for Prelims

Himalayan Rivers, Tributaries, World Bank, Indian Geography

Topics for Mains

International Relations, Drainage Pattern, Indus River system 

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

The water distribution from the Indus River and its tributaries between two arch rivals India and Pakistan, is governed by the landmark Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) that was signed in 1960 with the mediation of the World Bank. Following the partition of India, it became necessary to divide water resources equitably. The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) brokered by the World Bank was established to address this issue. It was stipulated that newly formed West Pakistan would receive the major share of water from the west flowing rivers. Indus, Chenab and Jhelum are the west flowing rivers and these three account for 80% (approx.) of the total flow and 20% to India. It is interesting to note that India was allocated exclusive rights over the east flowing rivers which are Beas, Ravi and Sutlej.

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Dispute Redressal Under Indus Water Treaty (IWT)

To resolve any issue or potential disputes, the Indus Water Treaty mandated the establishment of a Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) which will be composed of commissioners from both nations and which would meet at least once a year to discuss terms and conditions. If any issue or conflicts arose, then the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) would first attempt to mediate.

If PIC fails in that attempt to resolve the dispute, then a neutral expert appointed by the World Bank would intervene. If there occurs a situation where the neutral expert’s efforts also proved inadequate, then the final recourse would be to form or establish a Court of Arbitration to settle the disputes. This well structured and perfectly balanced approach aimed to foster better cooperation and manage the complex water-sharing relationship between India and Pakistan.

Read more about Peninsular rivers! 

Nature of the Indus Waters Treaty

As per some experts, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was generous from India’s side, as being the upper riparian state, India could have claimed more water. However, India showed generosity and agreed to allocate a major share of water to Pakistan, with almost 80% of the water from the west flowing rivers i.e Indus, Chenab, Jhelum going to present day Pakistan. India was appreciated for showing such mature behavior because such an example of an upper riparian state conceding this much portion of water rights to a lower riparian state is very rare globally. 

The U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower once referred to the Indus Water Treaty as “the one bright spot in a very depressing world picture.” Though it has faced many challenges, it has remained a successful treaty since its inception in 1960.

Major Disputes of Indus Waters Treaty

These are the following major disputes of Indus waters treaty:

  • Baglihar Dam Dispute: Islamic Republic of Pakistan has objected to India’s construction of the Baglihar hydroelectric project on the Chenab River. They are scared that India could control the water flow of the river. It is important to note that the Court of Arbitration ruled mostly in India’s favor.
  • Neelum Project Dispute: Pakistan has often accused India of obstructing the Kishanganga River’s flow. They stated that any move by India on this river is affecting Pakistan’s Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project. However the dispute has been resolved.
  • Ratle project and the Kishanganga dispute: This dispute emerged when India constructed the Ratle hydroelectric power plant on the Chenab River. This project was classified as a “run-of-the-river” project. It utilizes the natural flow of water to generate electricity. However, Pakistan has objected that this development has violated the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). 

Current Controversies Related to Indus Waters Treaty

In its fourth notice to Pakistan since January 2023, India has escalated its demand which it has been raising many times for the renegotiation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). India has suspended all meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC). This decision was followed by a prolonged deadlock in the entire dispute resolution process between the two arch rivals and neighbors. 

Historically, even amidst the challenging times of Kargil war and other tense situations, the Indus Water Treaty remained a stable agreement. However, recent tensions have transformed the treaty into a contentious issue. 

Following the infamous and heinous Uri attack and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s declaration that “blood and water cannot flow together” has cast a very large shadow over the Indus water treaty’s integrity. India accuses Pakistan of proxy wars and giving safe havens to terrorist organizations, raising questions about the requirement of maintaining the ceasefire under such circumstances.

Conclusion

India has made a generous effort to make the agreement successful but Pakistan is still providing safe haven to terrorist organizations. Thus the onus lies on Pakistan to assist India so that there can be mutual trust between the two nations. India and Pakistan need to work together to arrive at a win-win situation so that people don't have to suffer and development projects do not get hampered.

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UPSC Previous Year Questions

Year

Question

2020

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss

2015

Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.

UPSC Practice Questions

Q1. Discuss the significance of the Indus Water Treaty in the context of India-Pakistan relations.

Q2. What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.

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