Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India has initiated strong responses against Pakistan. In a high-level security meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decisive actions were taken, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. This 'water strike' by India is set to make Pakistan struggle for every drop of water.
A Decades-Old Indus Treaty
The Indus Water Treaty has governed water sharing between India and Pakistan since 1960. The Indus River is a crucial water source for more than 210 million people and irrigates 80% of Pakistan's farmland. Much of the water is utilized for irrigation, and major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Multan depend on these waters. Power projects like Tarbela and Mangla are supported by these rivers.
Pakistan's Looming Water Crisis
The suspension of the treaty could lead to a decline in food production in Pakistan, creating an impending famine. Urban water supplies might be disrupted, fueling unrest, and blackouts could threaten several cities as power production halts.
Even during the 1965 and 1971 conflicts, India did not suspend the Indus Treaty. Moreover, during the 1999 Kargil conflict and the attacks in Pulwama and Uri, India maintained the treaty despite tensions.
What is the Indus Water Treaty?
Signed in Karachi in September 1960 by India's Prime Minister Nehru and Pakistan's General Ayub Khan, the treaty allots about 80% of Indus waters to Pakistan. The remaining resources are split between India's controlled use and treaty provisions under World Bank's mediation.
How Indus Disputes are Managed
Disputes are ideally resolved through annual commission meetings or, when necessary, through neutral experts and arbitration courts.
Pakistan's Possible Actions
In response, Pakistan is considering approaching the World Bank. Yet, India argues it has not permanently annulled the treaty but has temporarily halted it due to Pakistan's inaction against terrorism.
