21 September 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis
1. India and Pakistan need to drop hard line stances on the Indus Waters Treaty
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations |
| Context |
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India Escalates Demand for Renegotiation of Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
- India has issued its fourth notice to Pakistan since January 2023, demanding the renegotiation of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
- India has called off all meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) until Pakistan agrees to hold talks.
- This comes after years of stalemate, even though the IWT was once considered a model for water-sharing agreements.
IWT’s Historical Importance
- The treaty, signed in 1960, has been crucial for managing water resources between India and Pakistan.
- It held firm through many decades and disputes, including India winning two significant cases:
- The Baglihar Dam project dispute in 2007.
- Allegations of Indian interference in Pakistan’s Neelum project in 2013.
Disputes Over Kishenganga and Ratle Projects
- Disputes over the Kishenganga and Ratle projects have escalated since 2016.
- Pakistan sought both a neutral expert’s opinion and arbitration via the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).
- In an unprecedented move, the World Bank allowed both processes to run simultaneously, creating complications.
- Pakistan later walked away from the neutral expert’s proceedings, while India boycotted the PCA hearings.
Tensions in Diplomatic Relations
- India’s 2022 notice to renegotiate the treaty followed Pakistan’s lack of engagement, which has worsened under the Modi government.
- This standoff reflects a broader deterioration in India-Pakistan relations, including no political dialogue, ceased trade, and violations of the 2021 Line of Control (LoC) ceasefire agreement due to increased terror activities.
- Indian Prime Minister’s 2016 statement after the Uri attack, saying “blood and water cannot flow together,” has further fueled tensions.
Future of the Indus Waters Treaty
- The future of the IWT is uncertain, with both countries hardening their stances.
- India’s cancellation of PIC meetings has further strained the process.
- There is an opportunity for dialogue with the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government meeting in October 2024, where both countries could potentially re-engage.
Modern Challenges Necessitate Treaty Revisions
- New-age issues such as climate change and the need for renewable energy and hydropower make revisiting the 64-year-old treaty essential.
- Resolving current disputes and addressing modern challenges will determine whether India and Pakistan can preserve the IWT, once seen as a symbol of cooperation.
| PYQ: Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2016) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in India-Pakistan relations. Analyse the challenges posed by recent disputes over water-sharing, particularly in light of climate change and geopolitical tensions. (150 Words /10 marks) |
