A Treaty Under Water, India-Pakistan and the Future of the Indus Waters Treaty
Why in News?
On April 24, 2025, India formally notified Pakistan of its intent to amend the 64-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). This comes amid growing concerns over treaty relevance, regional tensions, and the equitable sharing of water resources in the Indus Basin. 
Introduction
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, is one of the world’s longest-standing water-sharing agreements. Brokered by the World Bank, it has survived wars and political strife between India and Pakistan. However, with environmental changes, urbanization, and geopolitical shifts, both nations are reassessing the treaty’s viability and obligations.
Key Issues and Background
1. India’s Move to Amend the Treaty
India’s decision followed the killing of Indian tourists in Poonch, leading Prime Minister Narendra Modi to describe the situation as “neither friendship nor enmity,” but a state of “daily hostility.” India emphasized that the treaty’s obligations were not being fully met and expressed concern about the treaty’s outdated framework.
2. Treaty Design and the Green Revolution
The IWT was signed in 1960 before the full impact of the Green Revolution. Since then, both nations have transformed agriculturally, especially in Punjab.
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In both Indian and Pakistani Punjab, over 50% of water use now goes toward agriculture.
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Punjab now receives 325 times more irrigation water than it did in 1960.
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In Pakistan, 90% of water use is in agriculture, and urban population growth has added further stress.
The Core of the Concern
Water Scarcity and Mismanagement
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Water availability has declined by 50% in both countries since the treaty was signed.
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Mismanagement and climate-related challenges—such as heatwaves, glacier melt, and rising sea levels—are making it difficult to sustain the original framework of the treaty.
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Agricultural over-dependence on water-intensive crops and declining standards in infrastructure have worsened the crisis.
Economic Growth vs. Resource Constraints
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In 1960, India’s GDP per capita was lower than Pakistan’s. As of 2021, India’s per capita GDP is nearly 1.5 times higher, enabling better water management investments.
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Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to lag in GDP and urban planning.
Key Observations
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Urbanization, agricultural demand, and extreme weather events are increasing water tensions.
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Neither country has given serious attention to modernizing water management.
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There is an urgent need to update or renegotiate the treaty in line with current climate, demographic, and economic realities.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Challenges
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Politicization of water as a weapon of diplomacy.
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Trust deficit between the nations.
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Environmental degradation and outdated treaty clauses.
Steps Forward
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Initiate bilateral talks to update treaty provisions.
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Introduce climate-resilient strategies for water conservation.
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Increase cooperation on joint water data sharing, storage infrastructure, and efficient irrigation technologies.
Conclusion
The Indus Waters Treaty has stood the test of time, but the changing face of geopolitics and environmental demands makes it imperative for India and Pakistan to modernize the agreement. Future peace and regional water stability hinge on cooperation, not confrontation.
5 Questions and Answers
Q1. What is the Indus Waters Treaty, and when was it signed?
A: The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a water-sharing agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, facilitated by the World Bank.
Q2. Why has India decided to seek modifications in the treaty?
A: Due to increasing hostilities, outdated provisions, poor compliance by Pakistan, and growing water challenges caused by population growth and climate change.
Q3. What impact has the Green Revolution had on water use?
A: It significantly increased water demand for agriculture in both countries, especially in Punjab, with current usage now accounting for 85-90% of water needs.
Q4. What environmental changes are stressing the treaty’s relevance?
A: Glacial melt, heat waves, declining river flows, and rising sea levels are straining water availability and rendering old treaty provisions ineffective.
Q5. What is the suggested way forward for India and Pakistan?
A: Both nations must modernize the treaty through diplomatic talks, incorporate climate resilience, and enhance cooperation on water management.
