The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is a landmark agreement that governs the sharing of water resources between India and Pakistan. Signed on September 19, 1960, the treaty is widely regarded as one of the most successful examples of water diplomacy in the world. Despite multiple wars and periods of strained relations between the two nations, the treaty has largely been upheld for over six decades.
Historical Background
Before the partition of British India in 1947, the Indus River system was a unified entity, with water flowing freely across regions that became parts of India and Pakistan. Partition disrupted this arrangement, as the headworks of many canals that irrigated Pakistani territory were located in Indian territory. This created tensions and disputes over water rights, threatening the agricultural backbone of both countries.
To address these disputes, the World Bank (then the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) mediated discussions between India and Pakistan. After nearly a decade of negotiations, the treaty was signed by:
- Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of India,
- President Ayub Khan of Pakistan,
- and William A.B. Iliff of the World Bank as a witness.
Key Provisions of the Treaty
- Division of Rivers:
The treaty divides the Indus River system into two groups:- Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
- These are allocated to India for unrestricted use.
- Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
- These are allocated to Pakistan, but India retains limited rights for domestic, non-consumptive uses like power generation, navigation, and agriculture (within specified limits).
- Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
- Water Usage:
- India can use 20% of the water from the Western rivers for irrigation, power generation, and storage, provided it does not impede the flow to Pakistan.
- Permanent Indus Commission (PIC):
- A joint commission was established to resolve disputes and ensure the treaty’s implementation. The PIC includes one commissioner from each country.
- Dispute Resolution Mechanism:
- The treaty outlines a three-tier process for resolving disputes:
- Bilateral discussions through the PIC.
- Involvement of a neutral expert in case of technical disagreements.
- Arbitration through an international tribunal for unresolved issues.
- The treaty outlines a three-tier process for resolving disputes:
- Infrastructure Projects:
- India is permitted to build run-of-the-river projects (which do not store or significantly alter the flow of water) on Western rivers, subject to treaty conditions.
Significance of the Treaty
- Diplomatic Success: The treaty is hailed as a model for cooperation over shared resources, even amidst political hostility.
- Economic Importance: The agreement ensured water availability for agriculture and drinking water in both countries, particularly for Pakistan, whose economy heavily depends on the Indus basin.
- Environmental Considerations: By setting limits on storage and usage, the treaty also indirectly contributes to managing the river ecosystem.
Challenges and Criticism
- Emerging Disputes:
- India’s construction of dams and hydroelectric projects, such as the Baglihar Dam and Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project, has led to allegations from Pakistan that India is violating the treaty.
- Climate Change:
- Changing rainfall patterns and melting Himalayan glaciers are impacting the flow of the Indus and its tributaries, creating new challenges in water management.
- Geopolitical Strains:
- Relations between India and Pakistan have worsened in recent years due to terrorism, border conflicts, and political differences, leading to calls in India for revisiting or even scrapping the treaty.
- Pakistan’s Water Woes:
- Critics in Pakistan argue that the treaty did not sufficiently account for future water needs and has left the country vulnerable to water shortages.
Recent Developments
- In 2016, after the Uri attack in India, discussions arose about using the treaty as leverage against Pakistan.
- In 2023, India informed Pakistan that it intended to amend the treaty, citing its dissatisfaction with the functioning of dispute resolution mechanisms. This has sparked renewed debates over the treaty’s future.
Conclusion
The Indus Water Treaty remains a critical instrument for managing one of the world’s largest river systems shared by two historically adversarial neighbors. While it has endured significant challenges, evolving geopolitical and environmental dynamics may necessitate updates to ensure its relevance in the modern era. Balancing the needs of both nations while addressing mutual concerns will be crucial to maintaining peace and cooperation over shared water resources.