The Indus River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through China, India, and Pakistan, spanning about 3,180 kilometres. Originating from the Tibetan Plateau, it travels westward, passing through the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir, before entering Pakistan and emptying into the Arabian Sea. The river plays a crucial role in sustaining the ecosystems and agriculture of the regions it flows through, particularly in Pakistan, where it supports the Indus Valley, a major agricultural zone. Historically, the Indus River Valley was home to one of the world’s earliest civilizations—the Indus Valley Civilization, known for its advanced urban planning and trade systems. Today, the river provides water for irrigation, drinking, and power generation. However, it also faces challenges such as reduced water flow, pollution, and tensions between India and Pakistan over water usage rights, making its future sustainability a critical issue for the region.
Indus river treaty between India and Pakistan
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, is a water-sharing agreement aimed at resolving disputes over the use of the Indus River and its tributaries. Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty allocates the waters of the Indus and its five major tributaries—Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—between the two countries. India received control over the waters of the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej), while Pakistan gained control of the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).
The treaty also allows India to build storage and hydropower projects on the eastern rivers but restricts large-scale projects on the western rivers unless they meet specific conditions. The agreement has generally been successful in preventing water-related conflicts between the two nations, though tensions occasionally arise over concerns about water usage, dam projects, and the treaty’s implementation. It remains one of the most enduring water-sharing agreements in the world.
Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):
| Aspect | Details |
| Signed | September 19, 1960 |
| Parties Involved | India and Pakistan |
| Brokered by | World Bank |
| Purpose | To resolve disputes over the sharing of waters from the Indus River system between India and Pakistan. |
| Rivers Covered | The treaty covers six rivers in the Indus River system: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej. |
| Allocation of Water | – India controls the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej). – Pakistan controls the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). |
| Water Usage Rights | – India can use water from the eastern rivers for irrigation, hydropower, and other purposes. – Pakistan has rights to use water from the western rivers for irrigation, drinking, and power generation, but with restrictions on large-scale projects. |
| Key Provisions | – India is allowed to build storage and hydroelectric projects on the eastern rivers but must meet certain conditions. – Pakistan is allowed to construct projects on the western rivers but requires approval from India for projects that might alter water flow. |
| Dispute Resolution Mechanism | A Permanent Indus Commission was established to manage the treaty and resolve issues. It includes a framework for arbitration if needed. |
| Significance | – The treaty is one of the longest-lasting water-sharing agreements in the world. – It has helped prevent full-scale water-related conflict between India and Pakistan. |
| Challenges | – Tensions over water use: India and Pakistan have occasionally disagreed on hydropower projects and water diversion plans. – Environmental concerns: Climate change and upstream water projects have affected the flow of rivers, causing potential disputes. |
| Recent Developments | – India has occasionally threatened to review the treaty or reduce Pakistan’s share of water due to security concerns, particularly after major attacks like the Uri incident in 2016. – Both countries have shown interest in finding solutions to ongoing disputes, but tensions remain high. |
Benefits of Indus River treaty
The objectives of the Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, are as follows:
- Fair Distribution of Water: To allocate the waters of the Indus and its tributaries between India and Pakistan, ensuring equitable access for both nations.
- Prevent Conflicts: To resolve disputes over water usage and prevent conflicts between India and Pakistan, particularly in relation to the shared river resources.
- Promote Cooperation: To establish a framework for cooperative management of the Indus River system, including joint efforts for water management and resource development.
- Regulate Water Use: To regulate the use of the river’s waters for irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric projects, with specific rights and restrictions for both countries.
- Ensure Stability: To provide a stable, long-term solution for water-sharing that ensures the livelihoods of millions of people relying on the Indus system for agriculture and daily needs.
- Settle Disputes: To provide a mechanism for addressing and resolving any disputes or concerns regarding the implementation of the treaty.
- Promote Development: To allow for the development of infrastructure and projects (such as dams and canals) on the rivers, while adhering to agreed-upon rules to protect the interests of both nations.
Suspension of Indus River treaty
In a bold diplomatic move following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 with immediate effect.
This significant decision, made after a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a dramatic shift in India’s strategic approach. The government stated that the suspension of the treaty will continue until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible steps to end its support for cross-border terrorism. This unprecedented action signals India’s resolve to hold Pakistan accountable and reflects a tougher stance on national security in the face of increasing militancy in the region.
Effect on Pakistan after Indus River treaty suspension
- Severe Water Shortages:
Pakistan depends heavily on the Indus River system for its water needs, particularly for agriculture and drinking water. Suspension of the treaty would disrupt the flow of water from the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab), leading to significant water shortages.
- Agricultural Crisis:
The agricultural sector in Pakistan, which is a major part of the economy, would suffer immensely. Reduced water availability could result in crop failures, leading to food shortages, loss of livelihood for farmers, and an economic downturn.
- Economic Impact:
With water scarcity affecting agriculture, the broader economy would face inflation, reduced agricultural exports, and a decline in rural employment. Pakistan’s economy could spiral into further instability due to the cascading effects on industries that rely on agriculture.
- Power Shortages:
Pakistan generates a substantial portion of its electricity from hydropower plants along the Indus River. Suspension of the treaty would lead to reduced water flow for hydroelectric generation, exacerbating the country’s existing energy crisis and resulting in frequent power outages.
- Diplomatic and International Repercussions:
The suspension could lead to global condemnation, especially from countries that promote peaceful water-sharing agreements. Pakistan might face diplomatic isolation and increasing pressure from the international community to adhere to the treaty.
- Heightened Military Tensions:
The suspension would likely escalate tensions between India and Pakistan, potentially leading to military confrontations or an arms race. Both countries would likely use the water dispute as a pretext for further geopolitical and security measures.
- Humanitarian Crisis:
Water is crucial for public health and sanitation. With reduced water availability, Pakistan could face a humanitarian crisis, with increased risk of waterborne diseases, especially in urban areas and regions heavily dependent on river water.
- Increased Political Instability:
Domestic unrest could rise as the government struggles to address the water crisis, particularly in regions most dependent on the Indus River system. Political instability could follow as the population demands solutions to the dire water shortages.
- Disruption of Cross-Border Trade:
The suspension could impact cross-border trade relations, especially between India and Pakistan. Both countries are linked by shared water resources, and any interruption could disrupt not only water but also economic activities along the border regions.
Indus Water Treaty Impact
The Indus Water Treaty has played a crucial role in managing water resources between India and Pakistan since 1960. Its suspension, following heightened tensions such as the Pahalgam attack in 2025, would severely impact Pakistan. The country would face significant water shortages, triggering an agricultural crisis, economic downturn, and power shortages due to reduced hydropower generation. Diplomatic relations would deteriorate, leading to international isolation. Heightened military tensions could also arise, while a humanitarian crisis and political instability would exacerbate Pakistan’s challenges. The suspension would disrupt cross-border trade, further complicating an already strained relationship between the two nations.
