Indus Water Treaty Faces Challenges Amid Ongoing Terrorism Concerns
Indus Water Treaty Under Scrutiny
Recent official reports indicate that the Indus Water Treaty will not function in its current form. Pakistan has not taken significant measures to curb cross-border terrorism against India, which is viewed as a critical condition for resuming cooperation under this treaty, which has been in place for over 65 years.
Sources suggest that amendments will be necessary to reinstate provisions related to river water sharing, necessitating a return to the negotiation table. However, this entire process hinges on whether Pakistan will permanently cease its support for terrorism directed at India.
Claims from Pakistan alleging that India's suspension of the treaty is causing a water crisis have been dismissed. In reality, a substantial portion of the water allocated to Pakistan is wasted due to failures in its storage infrastructure, significant leakage, and ongoing disputes among various provinces.
Currently, India does not have an active plan to completely withdraw from the Indus Water Treaty, but sources emphasize that as a sovereign nation, India retains the right to terminate any treaty that contradicts its national interests. The future decision regarding withdrawal will depend on the actions taken by Pakistan.
It is noteworthy that India decided to suspend the treaty under diplomatic and economic sanctions following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam last April, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Sources clearly state that if the provisions for river water sharing are to be reactivated, they must be brought forth in a new and distinct format.
Signed on September 19, 1960, with the mediation of the World Bank, this treaty established India's rights over the eastern rivers Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, while control over the western rivers Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab was granted to Pakistan. Both nations reached this agreement after nine years of extensive negotiations regarding the management of transboundary rivers.