A Historic Agreement That Still Stands
The Indus Water Treaty, which was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, with mediation from the World Bank, is long considered one of the most successful international water sharing agreements. The treaty has survived three wars and numerous conflicts, primarily, but with the Attorney General of Pakistan recently confirming again that it is still “operational and functional”, many are arguing that it is on the cusp of breaking down – especially at a time during the latest seesaw of reasonable diplomatic relations, showing strengthening and declining relations between the two nations, as a result of border tensions, political disagreements, and concerns related to terrorism.
Diplomatic Dialogue and Water Cooperation
The Indus Waters Treaty regulates the six rivers of the Indus watershed (Indus, Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Chenab, and Jhelum). Under the treaty, India has control over the three rivers in the east (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) and Pakistan gets the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum and Chenab). Occasionally disputes arise over Indian hydropower projects on the western rivers. Overall, however, both countries have continued to work together in meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission, demonstrating that water cooperation, even in a more hostile context, remains a shared priority. The acknowledgment of the territory by the chief legal officer of Pakistan is significant—it presents a case of mutual interest in maintaining the treaty as an example of peaceful engagement.
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Global Importance and the Road Ahead
In an age of increased water scarcity and geopolitical conflict, the Indus Water Treaty is an example for the world of transboundary river systems.Although both countries have at times broached the possibility of reviewing or amending the agreement, particularly during moments of heightened tensions, Pakistan’s reaffirmation of the treaty is an important indication of its willingness to continue this important contractual relationship. International experts view this as a hopeful development regarding regional and environmental cooperation. In the future, modernization of data sharing, conflict resolution procedures, and transparency in water-related projects can help modernize the treaty. click here for the source
