India has formally called for a review of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, citing “fundamental and unforeseen” changes in circumstances. The notice was issued to Pakistan on August 30 under Article XII(3) of the treaty, according to government sources. The IWT, signed in 1960, governs the water-sharing mechanism between the two countries for cross-border rivers.
India Issues Notice To Pakistan To Review Indus Water Treaty
Why In News
- India has formally called for a review of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, citing “fundamental and unforeseen” changes in circumstances. The notice was issued to Pakistan on August 30 under Article XII(3) of the treaty, according to government sources. The IWT, signed in 1960, governs the water-sharing mechanism between the two countries for cross-border rivers.
Treaty Signed After Nine Years of Negotiations
- IWT was established after nine years of talks between India and Pakistan, with the World Bank acting as a signatory. The treaty lays out a framework for cooperation and the exchange of information on water usage for several rivers shared by both nations.
- Signed in 1960 with the mediation of the World Bank, the Indus Water Treaty is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan. It governs the use of waters from six rivers—Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—originating in India and flowing into Pakistan.
- The treaty allocates the waters of the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India, while the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) are mostly reserved for Pakistan. It is one of the few agreements that has withstood multiple conflicts between the two countries, making it a cornerstone of their bilateral relations.
Why Is India Seeking Modifications
- India’s notification to Pakistan argues that “fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances” necessitate a review of the treaty. These changes include shifts in population demographics, environmental concerns such as the urgent need to develop clean energy to meet India’s emission targets, and the persistent impact of cross-border terrorism.
- The notification also highlighted the impact of cross-border terrorism on India’s position, with sources noting that persistent security threats have influenced the decision to push for a review.
- India is especially concerned with the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, which have been a source of long-standing controversy between the two nations.
- The projects have been under dispute, leading the World Bank to activate both the Neutral Expert mechanism and the Court of Arbitration simultaneously. India views this as a problematic aspect of the treaty’s dispute resolution process, calling for a re-examination of this mechanism.
Path Forward: G2G Negotiations
- India has refused to participate in the Court of Arbitration process, arguing that starting both the expert mechanism and arbitration simultaneously violates the treaty’s provisions.
- “The Indian side has, therefore, also called for a reconsideration of the dispute-resolution mechanism under the treaty,” the source added.
- India has invited Pakistan to engage in government-to-government (G2G) negotiations to review and potentially amend the treaty. This proposal comes under Article XII (3) of the treaty, which allows for modifications to be made through a ratified agreement between the two governments.
- This development could lead to either a collaborative reworking of the treaty or escalate tensions, depending on how both nations approach the forthcoming negotiations. The outcome of these discussions will likely have a deep impact on water resource management and diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.
