Background of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
- Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with World Bank mediation.
- Allocated:
- Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India.
- Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) largely to Pakistan, with India having limited rights (non-consumptive use, run-of-the-river projects).
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Current Trigger
- India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack (2024).
- Decision to place the IWT “in abeyance”—an unprecedented step.
- Official letter sent to Pakistan citing “sustained cross-border terrorism” as justification.
Possible Measures India May Explore
- Withdraw from talks on evolving a new dispute resolution mechanism.
- Redesign hydroelectric projects to enable greater water storage, increasing India’s control over flow.
- Use of “draw down flushing” in reservoirs to manage sedimentation, but may also impact downstream flow.
- Consider options never used before, possibly referring to legal, technical, and geopolitical tools.
India’s Rationale
- India has so far acted as a “responsible upper riparian state”.
- Post-Uri (2016), similar options were not considered; this time could be different.
- The move is presented as a retaliatory, non-military countermeasure to terrorism.
Strategic Implications
- Ceasing hydrological data sharing and project notifications to Pakistan.
- No meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission since 2022.
- “Weaponizing water” is currently not possible under the treaty, unless India unilaterally exits or violates it.
- Technical and geographical constraints could make such changes economically intensive and long-term.
Challenges and Considerations
- Techno-economic feasibility: Mountainous terrain, cost of new infrastructure.
- International legal ramifications: Unilateral treaty abrogation could attract criticism and diplomatic pressure.
- Environmental and downstream impact: Changes in flow may affect both Pakistani agriculture and Indian ecology.
Conclusion
- India’s move signals a major policy shift in its traditional stance on IWT.
- If implemented, it marks a new dimension in India-Pakistan relations, using water as leverage in geopolitical strategy.
- Long-term planning, legal clarity, and international engagement will be key if India pursues this route.
