The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the World Bank as a signatory, has been a cornerstone of water sharing and management between the two nations. Recent developments have brought the treaty back into the spotlight, highlighting both challenges and efforts towards resolution.
Background of the Indus Waters Treaty
The IWT allocates the waters of the Indus River system between India and Pakistan. Under the treaty, the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) are allocated to India, while the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) are allocated to Pakistan. The treaty also includes provisions for the construction of run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects by India on the western rivers, subject to certain design and operational criteria.
Recent Tensions and Disputes
Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects
One of the major recent developments has been the ongoing dispute over the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in India’s Jammu and Kashmir region. Pakistan has raised objections to these projects, arguing that they violate the terms of the IWT by potentially reducing water flow to Pakistan.
In 2010, Pakistan sought arbitration over the Kishenganga project, leading to a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2013 that allowed the project to proceed but with certain modifications. Similarly, in 2016, Pakistan requested the appointment of a Neutral Expert and a Court of Arbitration to address its concerns over the Ratle project.
India’s Stance and Actions
In response to Pakistan’s actions, India has taken a firm stance. In 2016, following a terrorist attack in Uri, India announced its intention to maximize the use of its rights under the IWT. This included plans to expedite the construction of hydroelectric projects on the western rivers.
India has also expressed frustration with the dual processes of Neutral Expert and Court of Arbitration, arguing that it violates the graded mechanism of dispute resolution outlined in the treaty. In 2023, India boycotted a meeting of the Court of Arbitration, asserting that it would only participate in the Neutral Expert proceedings.
Efforts Towards Resolution
Neutral Expert and Court of Arbitration
Despite the tensions, efforts are ongoing to resolve the disputes. The Neutral Expert, appointed by the World Bank, has been working to address Pakistan’s concerns over the design of the Kishenganga and Ratle projects. The Court of Arbitration, on the other hand, has been examining broader legal questions related to the treaty.
In 2023, the Neutral Expert and the Court of Arbitration held their first joint meeting, marking a significant step towards resolving the disputes. The World Bank has emphasized the importance of both processes and encouraged both countries to engage constructively.
Bilateral Talks and Confidence-Building Measures
Parallel to the formal dispute resolution mechanisms, there have been efforts to engage in bilateral talks and confidence-building measures. In 2021, India and Pakistan held a meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission, the bilateral body responsible for implementing the IWT, marking the first such meeting in over two years.
These efforts are crucial for maintaining the spirit of cooperation that underpins the IWT and for ensuring that the treaty continues to serve as a model for transboundary water management.
Recent Developments from BBC
In a recent development reported by the BBC, India has completed the construction of the Shahpur Kandi barrage on the Ravi River, one of the eastern rivers allocated to India under the IWT. The completion of this project marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to utilize its allocated water resources more effectively.
The Shahpur Kandi barrage is expected to irrigate over 32,000 hectares of land in the Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as generate 206 MW of hydropower. This development has raised concerns in Pakistan, which fears that it may affect the water flow to its side of the border.
Pakistan has expressed its concerns to the World Bank, urging it to intervene and ensure that India adheres to the terms of the IWT. The World Bank has acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns and has reiterated its commitment to facilitating dialogue between the two countries to resolve any disputes.
Recent Developments from The Tribune
In a significant escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistan has decided to shut its airspace for Indian flights. This decision was made following a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) in response to India’s actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty.
The NSC meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, discussed the ongoing disputes over the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects and the recent completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage. The committee expressed deep concerns over what it perceives as India’s violation of the IWT and its potential impact on Pakistan’s water security.
As a result, Pakistan has taken the drastic step of closing its airspace to Indian flights, a move that is likely to further strain relations between the two countries. This decision comes at a time when both nations are already engaged in multiple dispute resolution processes under the IWT.
Opinion: Potential for Cooperation
India and Pakistan could become great countries if they contribute and appreciate each other, instead of blaming and threats. Both nations have plenty of minerals and growing industries. By focusing on cooperation and mutual benefit, they could harness their shared resources more effectively, leading to economic growth and regional stability. The Indus Waters Treaty, despite its challenges, provides a framework for such collaboration, and it is essential that both countries work towards its successful implementation.
Conclusion
The Indus Waters Treaty remains a vital framework for managing the shared water resources of India and Pakistan. Recent developments, including the completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage and Pakistan’s decision to shut its airspace to Indian flights, have highlighted the challenges in implementing the treaty, particularly with regard to hydroelectric and irrigation projects. However, ongoing efforts through Neutral Expert proceedings, Court of Arbitration, and bilateral talks offer hope for resolving disputes and strengthening the treaty’s effectiveness. As both countries navigate these challenges, the IWT’s role in promoting peace and cooperation in the region remains as important as ever.
