Context:
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.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus direct? (2021)
(a) Chenab
(b) Jhelum
(c) Ravi
(d) Sutle
Ans: (d)
Q. Consider the following pairs (2019)
| Glacier | River |
| 1. Bandarpunch | Yamuna |
| 2. Bara Shigri | Chenab |
| 3. Milam | Mandakini |
| 4. Siachen | Nubra |
| 5. Zemu | Manas |
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)
