The Indus Waters Treaty,1960 is a water distribution treaty between India and Pakistan. It was brokered by the World Bank.
The Indus system comprises Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. The basin is mainly shared by India and Pakistan, with a small share for China and Afghanistan.
Under the Indus treaty, all the waters of three eastern rivers namely Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas were allocated to India for exclusive use.
On the other hand, the waters of Western rivers namely Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab were allocated to Pakistan. But India can use the water in western rivers for non-consumptive needs like irrigation, storage, and even for electricity production. Thus, India has been given the right to generate hydroelectricity through a run of the river projects on the western rivers, subject to specific criteria for design and operation.
Further, Pakistan also has the right to raise concerns on the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on western rivers
A Permanent Indus Commission was set up by the United Nations for resolving any disputes that may arise in water sharing.
The treaty gives India 20% of the water from the Indus River System and the rest 80% to Pakistan.
