Indus Water Treaty, UPSC Issues in News

Indus Water Treaty, which was unilaterally suspended on 23 April 2025 by India following the Pahalgam terror attack, marking the first suspension in its 65-year history. This treaty was signed in 1960 between the Government of India and the Government of Pakistan to utilize the water of the Indus River System. 

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Indus Water Treaty Suspended

As the treaty lacks an exit clause, India's unilateral action raises legal debates, and existing dispute resolution mechanisms may no longer apply. Here are the possible implications of this move on both countries:

India

• Stop sharing water flow data with Pakistan.
• Remove design restrictions on hydropower projects (e.g., Kishenganga, Ratle dams).
• Resume reservoir flushing to extend dam lifespans

Pakistan

• 80% of Pakistan’s irrigated land (16 million hectares), which depends on Indus waters, may be affected.
• Major cities like Karachi and Lahore face heightened water scarcity risks.
• Hydropower disruptions could worsen Pakistan’s electricity shortages.

India and Pakistan Water Treaty

1. Indus River (flows mainly through Pakistan)
2. Jhelum River (flows through both India and Pakistan)
3. Chenab River (flows through both India and Pakistan)
4. Ravi River (flows mainly through India)
5. Beas River (flows mainly through India)
6. Sutlej River (flows mainly through India)

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What is Indus Water Treaty?

The Indus Water Treaty date is 19th September 1960, on which decades of negotiations resulted in the successful agreement between India and Pakistan. IWT not only distributes water from the Indus and its tributaries but also allows both countries to use the other’s rivers for specific purposes that require little or no water storage.

For example, it permits small hydroelectric projects, such as under-construction projects in the Chenab Valley region. Over the years, this treaty has successfully managed water sharing between the two countries across cross-border rivers. 

Indus Water Treaty Rivers

• The three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) are allocated to Pakistan.
• The three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) are allocated to India.

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This division of the rivers was a crucial aspect of the treaty, as it allowed both countries to develop and utilize the water resources within their respective regions. 

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Indus Water Treaty Main Points for UPSC 2025

• Objective: The Indus Water Treaty aims to ensure the equitable and reasonable utilization of the Indus River system by both India and Pakistan.
• Water Allocation : The three western rivers are allocated to Pakistan, while the three eastern rivers are allocated to India.
• Dispute Resolution Mechanism  The treaty establishes a Permanent Indus Commission, which serves as a bilateral mechanism for the implementation of the treaty and the resolution of any disputes that may arise.
• Hydropower Development: The treaty allows both countries to construct hydropower projects on the allocated rivers, subject to certain restrictions and prior notification requirements.
• Flood Control: The treaty also includes provisions for the exchange of flood-related data and the coordination of flood control measures between the two countries.
• Conflict Prevention: The Indus Water Treaty has been instrumental in preventing water-related conflicts between India and Pakistan, even during periods of political tensions and military conflicts.