INDUS WATER TREATY (IWT)
What? Signed on Sept - 19, 1960 between India & Pakistan & Mediated by World Bank. It sets out
a Mechanism for co-operation & information exchange between them regarding the use of water of
the river & its 5-tributaries such as Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum & Chenab.
Origin → The river Indus originates in Tibet near Man Sarovar Lake in the Trans - Himalaya. It flows
through Tibet, India & Pakistan & nearly 200 mn People living in this drainage basin.
Signing of Treaty → April -1 - 1960 (effective)
By Nehru, Mohd Ayub Khan & W.A.B Iliff (WB)
Indus River → Tibet (China) → Ladakh (India) → Pakistan
Jhelum & Chenab → J & K → Pakistan
Sutlej, Beas & Ravi → North Ind. & Punjab → Pakistan
Years → 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.
Key points/ Provisions
1. Water Sharing → The Treaty allocated the 3- western rivers "Indus, Chenab & Jhelum,"
to Pakistan for unrestricted use, barring certain non- consumptive, agricultural &
domestic uses by India. Similarly, the 3-eastern rivers Ravi, Beas & Sutlej were allocated
to India for unrestricted use. This means 80% of the share of water went to Pakistan &
the rest 20% of water for India's use.
2. Permanent Indus Commission. → Under this treaty both nations must set up a
permanent Indus commission, to meet annually.
3. Dispute Resolution Mechanism → (3- Tier Dispute resolution Mechanism)
The treaty provides a 3 - step dispute resolution mechanism under which " Question" on
both sides can be resolved at the "Permanent Commission" or at the Inter- govt. level &
unresolved issues of water sharing can be addressed by the world bank appointed"
‘Neutral expert Committee’ (NE) & appeal from a Neutral expert of WB can be referred
to a Court of Arbitration set up by the world bank.
Level - 1 (Questions) → Permanent Indus Commission.
Level -2 (Differences) → Neutral Expert (Appointed by WB)
Level - 3 (Disputes) → Court of Arbitration.
4. Various Project to be inspected under 'IWT'
(i) Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project (River Marusudar Tributary of Chenab)
(ii) Lower Kalnai (Chenab)
(iii) Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project (Kishanganga River/ Neelum River (Pak)
(iv) Ratle Hydro - electric Project (Power Station) (Chenab River)
Critical Points.
1. No Exit Clause in the treaty → No unilateral termination possible by both.
→ A perpetual agreement & no expiration data
→ Any amendment needs mutual consent from both.
2. 3-tier Dispute resolution mechanism (Article - IX) Annexture - F & G.
3. No Peaceful Mechanism for enforcement
→ If India revokes the treaty, then it essentially steps outside its legal framework.
→ The DRM becomes irrelevant, as it only applies within the bounds of the treaty.
→ No provision in the IWT to enforce or revive the treaty after suspension.
→ Pakistan can’t approach the ICJ (1945/June- 26/Hague Yuji Iwasawa) due to India’s
reservation under the ICJ Statute. So, there is no legal/ peaceful pathway for Pakistan
to compel treaty compliance from India.
1
Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015
Ph.: 8984111101, 8093083555. Web: www.vanikias.com, E-mail: vaniksias@gmail.com
INDUS WATER TREATY (IWT)
IWT Suspension → (Implication for Pakistan) → Serious consequence for
Pakistan
1. Water dependency → 80% water flow receives for Agriculture irrigation, drinking water
in Punjab & Sindh.
2. Urban Water Supply → Karachi, Lahore & Multan Depending on daily water needs.
3. Agricultural Economy → 23%of Pak's GDP & Supports 68% of the 93% of water for
irrigation.
4. Irrigation backbone →Food Security & farming (154.3mn acre feet).
5. Economic Impact → Lower Crop Production, increase & strain rural economies. Scarcity.
6. Existing water Crisis → Groundwater depletion, soil Salinity & weak water storage
infrastructure.
7. Limited Storage → Reservoirs like Mangla & Tarbela together hold only 14.4 mn acre
feet (Just 10% of the annual allocation).
8. Loss of Security → Treaty suspension removes guaranteed water supply, worsening
water management challenges & national vulnerability.
IWT Suspension (Implication for India)
1. Increased Control Over the western rivers (Jhelum/ Chenab) (Increased flexibility in
water usage)
2. Hydropower Generation → Electric power generation.
3. Flood Control & Water Storage → No restriction on storage in reservoirs on western
rivers.
4. No Obligation to Share flood data.
5. Suspension of Site Visits.
6. Limited immediate impact → The Short term impact is minimal as India now lacks
adequate infrastructure to halt or divert river flows effectively.
Conclusion
The Suspension of IWT signals a strategic shift in India's Posture, linking water diplomacy
to national Security imperatives. It is now being re- evaluated considering Persistent
“Cross border terrorism" Marking a turning point in regional geopolitics.
So, the Indian PM aptly says, "Blood & water cannot flow together." It shows the
complexities of India- Pak relationship.
---------------------------------
2
Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015
Ph.: 8984111101, 8093083555. Web: www.vanikias.com, E-mail: vaniksias@gmail.com
