Terror, Water Can't Flow Together: India's Strong Message to Pakistan on Indus Waters Treaty

New Delhi: India has served a formal notice to Pakistan , seeking review and modification of the Indus Water Treaty. The notice was sent to Pakistan on August 30, 2024.

Under Article XII (3) of the Treaty, its provisions may from time to time be modified by a duly ratified Treaty concluded for that purpose between the two Governments. The concerns that led India to make this significant move encompass a range of developments since the conclusion of the Treaty in 1960. India’s notification highlights fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of obligations under various Articles of the Treaty.  Among various concerns, important ones include change in population demographics; environmental issues - need to accelerate development of clean energy to meet India’s emission targets; impact of persistent cross border terrorism, etc.

India's notice to Pakistan , demanding modification on the treaty, highlights fundamental changes in circumstances that require a review. The notification was issued in the background of a separate prolonged controversy with respect to Kishanganga and Ratle Hydro Projects. In this regard, World Bank has simultaneously activated both the Neutral Expert mechanism and the Court of Arbitration on the same set of issues. Indian side has, therefore, also called for reconsideration of dispute resolution mechanism under the Treaty.

With this Notification, India has called Pakistan to begin G2G negotiations in order to review the Treaty under the provisions of Article XII(3). The utilisation of the Indus waters and the demography are changing, India mentioned in its notice, adding, “We should look to change the treaty as India is going forward for clean energy.” 

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed between then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and former Pakistan President Ayub Khan in 1960 with the World Bank as a signatory to the pact. The treaty warrants the two nations to meet once a year, alternately in India and Pakistan. However, the 2022 year's meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi was cancelled in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier in June this year, a delegation from Pakistan arrived in India in connection with the the Treaty.

The delegation which arrived in India on Sunday evening in connection with the 1960 Indus Water Treaty is scheduled to visit Kishtwar to see the Dam sites.