| Introduction: Contextual Introduction Body: Highlight factors that lead India to seek modifications to the Indus Water Treaty Conclusion: Way forward |
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a historic agreement between India and Pakistan, was established in 1960 to manage and share the Indus River system. However, India’s recent formal notice under Article XII(3) on August 30, 2024, highlights its growing concerns regarding the treaty’s adequacy in addressing evolving domestic, environmental, and geopolitical challenges.
Changing Domestic Needs
- Population Growth and Agricultural Expansion: India’s population has expanded significantly since the treaty’s signing, especially in the Indus Basin region. Agriculture, a vital sector in northern states, depends on reliable water sources.
- Clean Energy Development: India aims to meet its climate commitments by accelerating hydropower generation, which requires building dams and infrastructure along the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).
Climate Change Concerns
- Glacial Melting and Reduced Flow: The Himalayas, a significant source of water for the Indus River system, have experienced glacial retreat and reduced snowfall, leading to an estimated 30%-40% reduction in water flow. These climate-induced shifts threaten water security, and the IWT’s existing structure, which rigidly partitions the eastern and western rivers, limits India’s capacity to respond effectively.
- Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA): Customary international law, upheld by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), obligates riparian states to prevent harm to shared water resources.
Geopolitical Dynamics
- Cross-Border Security Concerns: India has cited ongoing cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir as a barrier to effectively managing its water resources, as security concerns hinder project implementation and affect resource utilization.
- Divergent Interpretations of Treaty Provisions: India and Pakistan have adopted contrasting approaches to the IWT’s purpose. As the upper riparian state, India interprets the treaty’s objective as ensuring optimal utilization of water resources, while Pakistan, as the lower riparian, emphasizes uninterrupted flow.
Conclusion
India’s move to seek modifications to the Indus Waters Treaty stems from a complex interplay of increasing domestic water demands, the urgent need for climate adaptability, and persistent geopolitical concerns. While renegotiation poses diplomatic challenges, exploring cooperative mechanisms and limited adjustments could offer practical solutions.
