Indus Water Treaty
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At a UN Security Council debate in December 2025, Pakistan’s ambassador criticised India’s suspension of the IWT and called for the equal application of international law, highlighting how the treaty has become part of broader diplomatic pressures.
Indus Water Treaty (IWT)
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed on 19 September 1960 between India and Pakistan, is a landmark water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank. It provides a comprehensive framework for the allocation, management, and cooperative use of the waters of the Indus River system, which includes six rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. The treaty has endured multiple political and military conflicts, making it one of the most successful water-sharing agreements globally.
Key Provisions of the Treaty
1. Water Sharing
- The treaty divides the rivers into Western and Eastern categories:
- Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): Allocated primarily to India for unrestricted usage.
- Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): Allocated primarily to Pakistan for unrestricted use. India can use water for limited non-consumptive purposes such as agriculture, domestic consumption, and hydroelectric generation.
- Overall, Pakistan receives approximately 80% of the total waters, leaving India with 20%.
- This division ensures predictable water access for both countries while allowing for economic development, irrigation, and energy generation.
2. Permanent Indus Commission (PIC)
- A bilateral commission was established, with representatives from both India and Pakistan.
- The commission is mandated to meet annually to facilitate information exchange, data sharing, and dispute resolution.
3. Dispute Resolution Mechanism
The treaty provides a three-tier dispute settlement framework:
- Permanent Indus Commission: First point for resolving technical questions or differences.
- Neutral Expert (appointed by World Bank): Can resolve technical disputes not settled by the commission.
- Court of Arbitration (CoA): Can adjudicate disputes when parties contest the Neutral Expert’s decision.
Projects and Disputes Under IWT
Several hydroelectric projects in India have been subject to scrutiny under the treaty:
- Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai: Projects on Chenab and Marusudar rivers, subject to technical review for flow and water use compliance.
- Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project (J&K): Pakistan objected, citing reduced downstream flow to Neelum River. In 2013, The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration allowed India to divert waters under certain conditions.
- Ratle Hydroelectric Project: A run-of-the-river project on the Chenab; closely monitored under treaty provisions.
These cases highlight the importance of legal and technical mechanisms in resolving transboundary water disputes.
Indus River System Overview
1. Source and Course
- The Indus River originates in Tibet near Mansarovar Lake (called Sengge Chu/Lion River in Tibetan).
- It flows through India (Ladakh, J&K) and into Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, Sindh), emptying into the Arabian Sea near Karachi.
2. Tributaries
- Left-bank tributaries: Zaskar, Suru, Soan, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Panjnad.
- Right-bank tributaries: Shyok, Gilgit, Hunza, Swat, Kunnar, Kurram, Gomal, Kabul.
The Indus basin sustains about 200 million people across India and Pakistan, supporting agriculture, industry, and livelihoods.
Way Forward for Sustainable Management
- Focus on Technical Dispute Resolution: Both countries should fully utilise the treaty’s existing mechanisms for addressing disagreements.
- Transparency and Data Sharing: Real-time exchange of hydrological data can reduce mistrust and prevent crises.
- Joint Basin Management: Climate change, population growth, and urbanisation demand collaborative strategies for water conservation, flood control, and sustainable development.
- Political Commitment and Dialogue: Long-term cooperation requires governments to prioritise dialogue over confrontation, embedding water diplomacy into bilateral relations.
Significance
The Indus Water Treaty is more than a water-sharing agreement; it is a cornerstone of India-Pakistan cooperation. It demonstrates how technical, legal, and institutional mechanisms can manage sensitive transboundary resources despite geopolitical tensions. The treaty remains a critical reference for water diplomacy and conflict resolution globally.
