Home
Current-Affairs
Environment

Indus Water Treaty – UPSC Notes

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, signed in 1960. It was brokered by the World Bank .
Amith

🏞️ Indus Water Treaty 

📌 What is the Indus Water Treaty?

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, signed in 1960.
It was brokered by the World Bank to peacefully share the waters of the Indus River system.

Indus Water Treaty


🗓️ Basic Details

  • Signed On: 19 September 1960

  • Signed By:

    • India – Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru

    • Pakistan – President Ayub Khan

    • Broker – World Bank

🌊 Rivers Involved

There are 6 rivers in the Indus River System:

  1. Indus

  2. Jhelum

  3. Chenab

  4. Ravi

  5. Beas

  6. Sutlej

These are divided into:

  • Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab – given to Pakistan

  • Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej – given to India

🤝 What Each Country Got?

  • Pakistan gets:

    • Full rights over Western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab)

    • India can use them for limited purposes only: irrigation, transport, and hydroelectricity without storing water

  • India gets:

    • Full control over Eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej)

    • Can use the water freely for any purpose

Indus Water Treaty

📘 Key Features

  • The treaty is considered very successful, as it has survived even during wars and conflicts.

  • It has dispute resolution mechanisms:

    1. Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) – regular annual meetings

    2. Neutral Expert – if technical dispute arises

    3. Court of Arbitration – for complex legal issues

💡 Why Is It Important for UPSC?

  • It shows how natural resources can be shared peacefully.

  • It is a model of water diplomacy.

  • It is relevant in India-Pakistan relations, international law, and geopolitics.

  • It is often in the news due to disputes (e.g., about dams like Kishanganga and Ratle).

📰 Recent Developments (as of 2024)

  • India has objected to Pakistan’s use of the Court of Arbitration over the Kishanganga and Ratle projects.

  • India notified Pakistan in 2023 that it wants to modify the treaty, saying that the dispute resolution mechanism is being misused.

📍 Quick Revision Points (1-Minute Notes)

  • Year: 1960

  • Broker: World Bank

  • Rivers Shared: 6

  • India gets: Eastern (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej)

  • Pakistan gets: Western (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab)

  • India can use Western rivers for: non-consumptive use (e.g. hydroelectric)

  • Institutions: Permanent Indus Commission

  • Recent Issue: India seeks treaty changes (2023)

Post a Comment