The recent freeze on the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan raises concerns about regional stability and water security in South Asia, as a 64-year-old treaty that was hailed as a rare success story between the two arch-rivals is put “in abeyance”.
The recent freeze on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan has raised concerns about the future of water security in the region. ‘in abeyance’ according to New Delhi.
The Indus River is not just a single river, but a complex system of tributaries that flows from Tibet, through divided Kashmir, and into Pakistan. The river’s waters are crucial for the livelihoods of millions in both countries, making any disruption to its flow a serious concern.
India’s decision to put the treaty ‘in abeyance’ is seen by some as a measured diplomatic tool, aimed at giving Pakistan an opportunity to address its alleged support for terrorist groups. However, this move has also raised concerns about India’s willingness to prioritize its own water needs over those of its eastern neighbor, Bangladesh.
Water security experts and international law specialists warn that the IWT’s suspension could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability. ‘Transboundary water treaties create trust and predictability for riparian states,’ said Farhana Sultana, a professor in the department of geography and environment at Syracuse University. ‘The unilateral suspension raises serious concerns for all states in the region.’
China’s investments in Pakistan’s hydroelectric infrastructure on the Indus River are significant, and its influence in the region is a major concern. China is also investing in the management of the Teesta river in Bangladesh, which originates in India.
The IWT’s framework establishes a multi-tiered dispute resolution system that allows India and Pakistan to resolve disagreements and amend the treaty with mutual consent. However, the treaty’s strict bilateral nature and lack of provisions for withdrawal or ‘abeyance’ have created a legal gray zone.
Experts agree that India and Pakistan will have to go back to diplomatic channels to eventually reinstate the treaty. The World Bank can only act as a mediator within the framework of the treaty, which India has now put aside. Islamabad could register a case at the International Court of Justice, but India’s recognition of its jurisdiction is limited.
A functioning IWT is critical for both India and Pakistan, which are bearing the brunt of climate change and mounting pressure on their freshwater resources. The treaty has been in place since 1960, and its success is a testament to the importance of international cooperation in managing shared water resources.
The Indus River is one of the longest and most vital rivers in Asia, stretching approximately 3,180 kilometers from its source in the Tibetan Plateau to the Arabian Sea.
It flows through Pakistan and India, supporting agriculture, industry, and ecosystems along its banks.
The river's basin is home to over 200 million people, with major cities like Karachi and Lahore relying on it for water and economic growth.
Historically, the Indus Valley Civilization thrived along the river's banks around 4000 BCE.
The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, signed in 1960.
The treaty allocates the waters of the 'Indus River' and its five tributaries between the two countries.
It was brokered by the 'World Bank' and has been instrumental in maintaining regional stability despite tensions between India and Pakistan.
The treaty ensures that each country receives a fair share of the water, with India allocated 80% and Pakistan 20%.
This agreement has withstood numerous disputes and remains a cornerstone of international cooperation on transboundary waters.
Pakistan is a country located in South Asia, bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan and Iran to the west, China in the north, and the Arabian Sea to the south.
The country has a diverse geography, featuring mountains, deserts, and plains.
The Himalayan mountain range runs through northern Pakistan, while the Indus River flows through the heart of the country.
The freeze on the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan raises significant concerns about regional stability and water security. As both countries navigate this complex situation, it is essential that they prioritize diplomatic engagement and explore ways to reimagine the distribution of the contentious waters. The future of water security in South Asia hangs in the balance.
