Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

Source: TOI

Context: India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 Indian tourists were killed by Pakistani terrorists.

• This is the first-ever suspension of the 1960 treaty, which has withstood wars and diplomatic crises between the two nations.

About Recent Suspension on Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):

• India declared the IWT suspended until Pakistan irrevocably ends support for cross-border terrorism.

• The suspension was among five major decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

• India may: Cease sharing hydrological data with Pakistan. Restrict Pakistani inspections of Indian projects like Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Project. Exercise its right to store water on western rivers. Undertake reservoir flushing to improve dam life.

• Cease sharing hydrological data with Pakistan.

• Restrict Pakistani inspections of Indian projects like Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Project.

• Exercise its right to store water on western rivers.

• Undertake reservoir flushing to improve dam life.

Implications of the Treaty Suspension:

• For Pakistan:

• 80% of Indus River system water comes from India-controlled western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). Suspension threatens agricultural output, food security, and water access in Punjab and Sindh. Could lead to economic and rural instability, with agriculture contributing 23% of GDP and supporting 68% rural population.

• 80% of Indus River system water comes from India-controlled western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).

• Suspension threatens agricultural output, food security, and water access in Punjab and Sindh.

• Could lead to economic and rural instability, with agriculture contributing 23% of GDP and supporting 68% rural population.

• For India:

• Gains greater hydrological sovereignty over Indus rivers. May strengthen leverage in diplomatic negotiations with Pakistan. However, lack of diversion infrastructure means no immediate change in water flows.

• Gains greater hydrological sovereignty over Indus rivers.

• May strengthen leverage in diplomatic negotiations with Pakistan.

• However, lack of diversion infrastructure means no immediate change in water flows.

About the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):

• What It Is?

• A water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, signed on September 19, 1960, in Karachi. Brokered by the World Bank after partition-related water disputes.

• A water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, signed on September 19, 1960, in Karachi.

• Brokered by the World Bank after partition-related water disputes.

• Agreement Between: Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru (India) and President Ayub Khan (Pakistan).

• Objectives:

• Ensure equitable water distribution from the Indus basin. Prevent future water conflicts between the two nations. Enable cooperative river management.

• Ensure equitable water distribution from the Indus basin.

• Prevent future water conflicts between the two nations.

• Enable cooperative river management.

• Key Features:

• River Allocation: India gets exclusive use of Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej. Pakistan receives Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab. Limited Usage Rights: Both countries can use the other’s rivers for irrigation, hydroelectricity, and non-consumptive purposes. No Exit Clause: Treaty is perpetual, cannot be unilaterally terminated. Dispute Resolution: Through the Permanent Indus Commission, Neutral Experts, or International Arbitration (Annexures F & G). Technical Collaboration: Regular data sharing and project inspections by both parties.

• River Allocation: India gets exclusive use of Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej. Pakistan receives Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab.

• India gets exclusive use of Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej.

• Pakistan receives Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab.

• Limited Usage Rights: Both countries can use the other’s rivers for irrigation, hydroelectricity, and non-consumptive purposes.

• No Exit Clause: Treaty is perpetual, cannot be unilaterally terminated.

• Dispute Resolution: Through the Permanent Indus Commission, Neutral Experts, or International Arbitration (Annexures F & G).

• Technical Collaboration: Regular data sharing and project inspections by both parties.