The government of India sent a notice to the Pakistan government on 30 August 2024, seeking to review and modify the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 signed between India and Pakistan due to “fundamental and unforeseen” changes. In 2023, the government of India also sent a notice to Pakistan’s government seeking modification in the Indus Water Treaty. The current notice seeks to review the Indus Water treaty, and India wants to re-negotiate the treaty again.
What is Indus Water Treaty
- Indus Water Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, in which World Bank mediated.
- Under this treaty, the water of Indus river and its tributaries was divided between India and Pakistan.
- India got rights over Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers, while Pakistan got rights over the water of rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab flowing through Jammu and Kashmir.
The main reason for dispute regarding Indus Water Treaty at present
- Pakistan’s objection regarding hydroelectric projects: India has planned many hydroelectric projects on its border, especially Kishanganga and Ratle, to which Pakistan has objection. Pakistan has demanded investigation of these projects by a neutral expert.
- Unplanned and unequal distribution of water: The main reason for dispute between India and Pakistan regarding Indus Water Treaty is unplanned and unequal distribution of water. Pakistan is concerned that the implementation of several hydropower projects in India may have a negative impact on its water resources.
- Political tensions: After the 2016 Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack at Uri in India, the Indian Prime Minister made a very harsh and harsh comment about the flow of “blood and water”, which further increased the tension in the relations between India and Pakistan.
- Deadlock in the dialogue between the two countries: India has suspended the dialogue process with Pakistan, which has further worsened the situation.
- Cross-border terrorism by Pakistan: India has also cited the impact of cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan as a reason for demanding a review of this treaty.
- Climate change and environmental issues are also a major cause of dispute in the relations between India and Pakistan.
India’s stance
- India believes that the provisions of the treaty need to be changed to meet the challenges of the present times.
- India has invited Pakistan for talks, but Pakistan has not yet responded positively.
- India has firmly maintained its stance regarding the Indus Water Treaty. Indian officials believe that Pakistan needs to negotiate under the framework of the treaty to resolve its concerns.
- India has made it clear several times that it will use water resources for its development, while Pakistan should respect its minimum water needs.
Ways of solution
- Try to resolve the Indus Water Treaty dispute through mutual dialogue and dialogue: Both India and Pakistan should try to resolve this problem through dialogue. Both countries should restart the process of dialogue. It is necessary that both sides share their concerns and requirements with each other.
- Resorting to international arbitration: If bilateral talks between India and Pakistan fail, resorting to international arbitration may be an option. The dispute can be resolved through mediation by the World Bank or other international institutions.
- Mutual cooperation in the field of environmental and technical cooperation: Both countries should work together on climate change and its impacts. This can increase cooperation in the management of water resources.
- Determining the role of neutral experts for impartial assessment: Respecting Pakistan’s demand for neutral experts, it may be necessary to conduct an impartial assessment.