India Declares Indus Waters Treaty Cannot Continue in Present Form
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Security
Why in news
India has officially stated that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan cannot continue in its current form, citing Pakistan's support for terrorism and changed climatic and demographic conditions. The announcement follows the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025, for which Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba claimed responsibility. This marks a significant shift in India's stance on the water-sharing agreement.
Background
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank, to share the waters of the Indus River system. It allocates the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan, with provisions for dispute resolution. The treaty has survived multiple conflicts but has been criticized for not accounting for climate change and population growth.
Key facts
India declared the IWT in abeyance in April 2025 after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Prime Minister Modi stated that water and blood cannot flow together across the border.
Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack.
India flags Pakistan's continued support for terrorism as a reason for renegotiation.
The treaty was negotiated in the 1950s and signed in 1960.
Climatic and demographic conditions have drastically changed since the 1950s.
The treaty allocates eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan.
The World Bank brokered the treaty.
Prelims pointers
- Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) signed in 1960
- World Bank as mediator
- Eastern rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
- Western rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab
- Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) - Pakistan-based terrorist group
- Pahalgam attack - April 2025
Mains angles
- Discuss the geopolitical and security implications of India's decision to renegotiate the Indus Waters Treaty.
- Critically examine the role of water-sharing treaties in India-Pakistan relations, with reference to the IWT.
- Analyze the impact of climate change and demographic shifts on transboundary water agreements.