Indus Waters Treaty

Definition

A water-sharing treaty between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, that allocates the use of the waters of the Indus river system between the two countries.

Key points

• It was signed in 1960 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President Ayub Khan of Pakistan, with the World Bank as a signatory and broker.
• The eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) were allocated to India for unrestricted use, while the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) were largely allocated to Pakistan, with India allowed limited non-consumptive uses such as run-of-the-river hydropower.
• It set up a Permanent Indus Commission, with a commissioner from each country, to implement the treaty and resolve disputes; it also provides for a Neutral Expert and a Court of Arbitration for disputes.
• It is often cited as a durable treaty that has survived multiple India-Pakistan wars; disputes have arisen over Indian projects such as Baglihar and Kishanganga.
• Following cross-border terrorism, India has at times signalled a review of the treaty's provisions and pressed for fuller use of its entitled share; verify the latest status.

Why it matters for CAPF

India-Pakistan relations and trans-boundary water are key international-relations and security themes; the 1960 date, the World Bank's role, and the east-west river split are commonly tested.

Common confusion

The eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) go to India; the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) go largely to Pakistan. India can still use the western rivers for limited non-consumptive purposes like run-of-the-river hydropower; the treaty was brokered by the World Bank, not the UN.

Related concepts

concept neighbourhood first, concept loc vs lac, concept financial action task force

Parent note

indo pak border and relations