Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: India has officially requested a review and modification of the 62-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, highlighting unresolved disputes and changing circumstances, according to sources familiar with the matter. The formal notice, issued under Article XII (3) of the treaty on August 30, follows India’s earlier notification for modification sent in January 2023.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over disagreements surrounding the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects on the Chenab and Neelam rivers in Jammu and Kashmir. India’s notice seeks government-to-government negotiations with Pakistan to revise the treaty, which was originally brokered by the World Bank in 1960 after nine years of talks.
The Indus Waters Treaty, hailed as one of the most durable agreements between India and Pakistan, has come under strain in recent years due to disputes over water-sharing and the broader deterioration of bilateral relations, particularly regarding issues of terrorism and the Kashmir region.
Key Reasons for India’s Review Request
India’s decision to seek a reassessment of the treaty is driven by several factors. According to sources, India has cited fundamental changes, including:
- Demographic shifts: Growing populations and changing water demands.
- Environmental concerns: Climate change and the need for sustainable water management.
- Energy needs: The development of clean energy, particularly hydropower, to meet India’s emission targets.
- Security issues: Ongoing cross-border terrorism affecting India’s ability to implement its projects effectively.
The notice was issued amid a long-standing controversy concerning the 330-MW Kishanganga and 850-MW Ratle hydropower projects. Pakistan had initially requested the appointment of a neutral expert to address its concerns over the projects in 2015 but later sought a court of arbitration, leading to two parallel dispute resolution mechanisms being activated by the World Bank.
India has expressed concerns over this dual process, warning it could lead to contradictory rulings and undermine the integrity of the treaty.
Proposed Negotiations
India’s notice calls for open-ended negotiations that would address all aspects of the treaty. However, unlike previous interventions, the World Bank will not play a role in the proposed discussions, which will be solely between the governments of India and Pakistan.
The treaty, which allocates the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) to Pakistan and the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India, has not been amended since its signing in 1960. Despite this, the agreement has played a crucial role in managing water resources between the two countries, even amid broader political tensions.
What’s Next?
The call for renegotiation comes at a time when both India and Pakistan are facing significant water challenges, particularly as climate change affects water availability in the region. The Indian government’s move to seek modifications signals a significant shift in its approach to the treaty, potentially reshaping water-sharing arrangements in South Asia.
The response from Pakistan is yet to be seen, but with both countries heavily reliant on the rivers covered by the treaty, the outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching consequences for the region’s water security.
