Islamabad, Pakistan – India and Pakistan have jointly managed the waters of the six rivers in the Indus basin for over 60 years. Despite their turbulent history, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has allowed both countries to share and utilize the water resources for irrigation and agriculture along their border. However, recent tensions have arisen as India has served a notice to Pakistan seeking to renegotiate the terms of the treaty.
The notice, sent on September 18, highlighted concerns such as changes in population demographics and environmental challenges, prompting India to request a reassessment of the treaty’s obligations. The IWT, signed in 1960, divides the rivers with India controlling the eastern rivers and Pakistan controlling the western rivers. India’s recent notice has raised questions about the treaty’s importance and the future of water sharing between the two nations.
India’s desire to renegotiate the treaty stems from its belief that the current terms are unfair, given the disparity in water resources allocated to each country. With a growing population and environmental concerns, India seeks to develop hydropower projects on the western rivers, which are under Pakistan’s control. On the other hand, Pakistan has raised concerns about India’s construction of dams on the western rivers, which it claims violate the treaty’s provisions.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan has stated its commitment to the treaty and believes that any issues can be resolved through the existing mechanism of Indus commissioners. The IWT has become a focal point in India-Pakistan relations, with the potential to escalate tensions and impact the broader geopolitical landscape of the region.
As the two countries navigate their differences over the treaty, the future of water sharing in the Indus basin remains uncertain. With differing perspectives on the treaty’s provisions and implications, finding a resolution that satisfies both India and Pakistan will be crucial in maintaining stability in the region.