Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

A brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, left 26 people dead, prompting a swift and strong response from India. Following a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a five-point diplomatic and strategic action plan was rolled out.

Indus Waters Treaty Suspended

• What’s new? The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan has been put in abeyance with immediate effect.
• Why now? India cites Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism as the core reason.
• What’s next? The treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan permanently halts terror sponsorship.

Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

About the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):

• Signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan
• Brokered by the World Bank
• Governs water-sharing and cooperation between the two nations for the Indus River System
• Covers six rivers: Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej

Key Provisions of the Treaty:

1. Water Sharing Arrangement:

• Western Rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum): Allocated to Pakistan for unrestricted use
  • India allowed non-consumptive, agricultural, and domestic usage
• Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): Allocated to India for unrestricted use
• Water distribution ratio: ~80% to Pakistan, ~20% to India

2. Permanent Indus Commission:

• Both countries must maintain a Permanent Indus Commission
• Mandated to meet annually
• Facilitates information exchange and cooperation

3. Dispute Resolution Mechanism:

• Step 1: Issues termed “questions” are resolved through the Permanent Commission
• Step 2: Unresolved issues can escalate to the inter-governmental level
• Step 3: Further escalation can involve:
  • Neutral Expert appointed by the World Bank
  • Court of Arbitration also established under World Bank’s guidance

Important Projects Inspected Under the IWT:

• Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project:

• Located on Marusudar River (a tributary of the Chenab)
• Pakistan has raised objections regarding potential impact on water flow

• Lower Kalnai Project:

• Also developed on the Chenab River

• Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project:

• Run-of-the-river project in Jammu & Kashmir
• Built on the Kishanganga River (Neelum in Pakistan)
• In 2013, The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration allowed India to divert water with certain conditions

• Ratle Hydroelectric Project:

• Run-of-the-river project on the Chenab River, Jammu & Kashmir
• Subject to objections from Pakistan

Other Key Decisions

Attari Integrated Check Post Shut Down

• Closure: The Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP) has been sealed.
• Deadline: Pakistani nationals currently in India must exit via Attari before May 1, 2025, if they have valid travel endorsements.

End of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistan

• Immediate cancellation of all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
• Exit notice: Any Pakistani citizen in India under SVES has 48 hours to leave.
• New rule: Pakistanis will no longer be eligible for SVES travel to India.

Diplomatic Expulsions and Downsizing

• Persona non grata: Defence advisers at Pakistan’s High Commission in Delhi are to leave within 7 days.
• Reciprocal withdrawal: India will recall its defence personnel and 5 staffers from the High Commission in Islamabad.
• Embassy strength reduced: Both nations will cut mission staff from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025.

Ans: (d)

Q. Consider the following pairs (2019)

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1, 2 and 4

(b) 1, 3 and 4

(c) 2 and 5

(d) 3 and 5

Ans: (a)