Hydro politics of indus water treaty: A critical perspective of India and Pakistan

Abstract

The World Bank facilitated the making of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in 1960 and long considered it one of India's and Pakistan's most successful trans-border water-sharing agreements. The treaty has been put into practice and has enabled the distribution of water for a stable framework throughout the Indus Basin, in spite of political tensions. In 21st century, it is, however, facing greater difficulties and has become a strategic and political concern as a result of climate change, population growth and rising geopolitical competition. The study is qualitative secondary data by using academic literature, policy reports and treaty documents and employs an interpretative and critical analysis in examining hydro-political dynamics of the region. The research will cover the analysis of the increasing politicization of water in India–Pakistan relations, especially on the project of dams at the source in India and on the consequences of the Hindu Kush melting down for water resources. The results show that water insecurity in Pakistan is increasing with the utilization of upstream water and the rate of climate change such as irregular river flow and reduction in glaciers. In addition, the fixed grant scheme of the IWT seems to be more and more unsuitable to face the current environmental and political challenges. The study suggests that while the treaty likely to remain feasible in the near term, institutional arrangements, adaptive water management, and improved bilateral cooperation are key to ensuring the continued viability of the treaty and avoiding increased hydro-political tensions in the region.