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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.