India Halts Indus Water Treaty Negotiations with Pakistan

Why in the news?

India suspends meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission, citing unresolved treaty renegotiation issues and a lack of satisfactory responses from Pakistan.

Freeze on Discussions:

  • India will halt meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) until both countries discuss revising the 64-year-old Indus Water Treaty.
  • The last PIC meeting was held in Delhi in May 2022.
  • Since January 2023, India has requested four times for talks on revising the treaty but has not received a satisfactory response from Pakistan.

Indus Water Treaty Context:

  • Signed in 1960, the treaty governs the sharing of six Himalayan rivers between India and Pakistan.
  • The PIC, a key component of the treaty, typically meets annually to address issues related to water sharing and hydel projects.
  • Despite conflicts and occasional disruptions, the PIC has been a consistent fixture until now.

India’s Concerns and Actions:

  • On August 30, 2024, India sent its fourth letter since 2023 requesting treaty renegotiation.
  • Key concerns include changes in population demographics, environmental issues, and cross-border terrorism.
  • India emphasises resolving the dispute resolution mechanism as a priority.

About Indus Waters Treaty:

  • Signed: 1960 by India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan.
  • Purpose: Mechanism for cooperation over the Indus System of Rivers.

Salient Provisions:

  • Water Allocation:
    • Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to
    • Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Ravi, Beas) to
    • India can use Western Rivers for domestic, non-consumptive, agricultural, and hydro-electric purposes.
  • Permanent Indus Commission: Established for information exchange, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
  • Storage Rights: India can store up to 75 MAF of water on Western Rivers.
  • Exit Provision: Treaty remains in force unless both countries agree to a new pact.

Dispute Resolution Mechanism:

  • Step 1: Questions resolved at the Permanent Commission or inter-government level.
  • Step 2: Differences referred to a Neutral Expert appointed by the World Bank.
  • Step 3: Disputes can be taken to a Court of Arbitration.

Pakistan’s Reservations:

  • Kishenganga Hydro Electricity Project: Concerns over dam height affecting water storage
  • Rattle Hydroelectric Power Project: Fears of artificial water shortage or flooding.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/inspection-of-power-projects-under-indus-water-treaty/