Indus Waters Treaty: Water Diverting Challenges Between India and Pakistan
The Indus Waters Treaty, established in 1960, allocates river control between India and Pakistan but has faced challenges due to climate change, population growth, and India's water management strategies. Pakistan has experienced significant water scarcity and flooding, prompting calls for treaty renegotiation, especially after India suspended the treaty in April 2025 following a terrorist attack. The situation underscores the increasing pressure on water resources and the treaty's viability amid changing environmental conditions.
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The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed on September 19, 1960, allocated control of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers to India, while Pakistan received control of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers. Since 2000, Pakistan has faced water scarcity and floods resulting from the treaty, climate change, and policy failures.
The population of West Pakistan grew from 33 million in 1951 to 247 million by 2023, increasing pressure on water resources. India has constructed canals and dams affecting water flow to Pakistan, raising concerns over the IWT's viability.
Calls for renegotiation of the treaty have emerged from India, and in April 2025, India suspended the IWT following a terrorist attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir. Climate change exacerbates water variability, threatening agricultural and hydropower needs in both countries.
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