Indus Treaty and strategy, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• India has put the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April, after previously asking for a review, modification, and renegotiation of the treaty.
• The IWT, which has lasted for 65 years, divides the waters of the six rivers of the Indus system, allocating approximately 80% to Pakistan and 20% to India.
• The division of water was based on geography, terrain, gravity, and the natural course of the rivers.
• India aims to finish water projects in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and fully utilize its rights on the western rivers.

Indus River System.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• Jawaharlal Nehru viewed the IWT as a stabilizing gesture for regional peace, while Pakistan saw it as a matter of security due to the upper riparian state's leverage.
• Pakistan has strategically used Article IX of the IWT (dispute redressal mechanism) to obstruct Indian water projects in J&K, seeking control over river flows due to insecurity.
• The IWT has survived wars and tensions because India, as the upper riparian, ensures minimum flows and shares data with Pakistan.
• India may insist on bilateral renegotiation of the IWT, excluding third parties like the World Bank, while Pakistan may seek to include China and Afghanistan in any renegotiation.
• By keeping the Treaty in abeyance, India aims to exercise its strategic advantage as the upper riparian and potentially force Pakistan to address cross-border terrorism.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Upper Riparian: A state located upstream on a river, with control over the water flow.
• Lower Riparian: A state located downstream on a river, dependent on the upstream state for water.
• Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): A water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, signed in 1960, regarding the distribution of the Indus River and its tributaries.