Indus Water Treaty sustains fragile hope of peace in S Asia

In a region long defined by mistrust, militarised borders, and unresolved historical grievances, the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has stood as a rare example of sustained cooperation between India and Pakistan.

- Suresh Kumar

Brokered by the World Bank and signed in 1960 by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan's President Ayub Khan, this treaty marked a bold step forward—a diplomatic feat that divided the waters of the mighty Indus river system with a sense of pragmatic optimism. More than 60 years later, the treaty remains intact, having weathered multiple wars, diplomatic breakdowns, and geopolitical shocks. But today, it stands at its most critical juncture.

The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of innocent Indian civilians, has reignited tensions between the two countries. India has issued a notice to Pakistan suspending the treaty, a move that reflects the growing strain between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. New Delhi argues that Pakistan, by harbouring and supporting cross-border terrorism, has undermined the very spirit of the agreement. The IWT, once envisioned as a tool for peace, now risks becoming collateral damage in a larger strategic conflict.

At the treaty's heart lies the division of one of the world's largest and most vital river systems. The Indus basin comprises six rivers: The Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab in the west, and the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej in the east. The treaty granted Pakistan exclusive rights to the western rivers, which collectively provide about 135 million acre-feet (MAF) of water annually. India, meanwhile, received control of the eastern rivers, which total about 33 MAF. India may use the western rivers for limited purposes, such as non-consumptive uses, including hydroelectricity and navigation, but it must ensure that their natural flow remains largely undisturbed.

However, in practice, the distribution and usage have been far from optimal. India, despite its entitlement to 33 MAF, uses only around 30 MAF.