What is The Indus Waters Treaty? How much loss will Pakistan suffer due to India’s cancellation of the Indus Waters Treaty?
What is The Indus Waters Treaty– The Indian government has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, signed with Pakistan in 1960, in the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The decision is seen as a drastic step to curb cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. Along with this, India has taken other stringent steps like closing the Attari-Wagah border checkpost, cancelling visas of Pakistani citizens, and stopping operations at the Pakistani embassy.
What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty is an international agreement between India and Pakistan, signed in 1960 under the auspices of the World Bank. The treaty provides a framework for the sharing of the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Jhelum, Chenab and Kabul) between the two countries. The main points are water distribution: the water of the eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej) is given to India, and the water of the western rivers (Jhelum, Chenab, Indus) is given to Pakistan for use.
Water Use: India can use limited amounts of water from the western rivers for irrigation and hydroelectricity generation, but this cannot disrupt the flow of water to Pakistan. A Permanent Indus Commission has been established in both countries to monitor the implementation of the treaty and resolve disputes. The treaty was a significant step in water-related cooperation between the two countries and has remained in force for 64 years, despite political tensions between the two countries. you also read this India Suspends The Visa Exemption For Pakistani Nationals
Why was it suspended?
The terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, which India has accused of being sponsored by Pakistan, is the main reason for the decision. Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishra announced that the Indus Waters Treaty will be suspended until Pakistan stops cross-border terrorism. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) after the attack. India’s move could further worsen long-standing India-Pakistan relations. India had previously discussed revising the agreement after the Uri attack in 2016 and the Pulwama attack in 2019.
Attari-Wagah border closure: This checkpoint, which is important for trade and travel between the two countries, has been closed. Pakistani visa cancellation: Indian visas for Pakistani citizens have been cancelled, and restrictions have been imposed on the issuance of new visas.
Pakistani Embassy Closed: The Pakistani embassy in India has been closed, which could further worsen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Impact and Future: The suspension of this agreement could have a profound impact on Pakistan’s agriculture and water resources, as it depends heavily on the water of the Indus and its tributaries. On the other hand, India is using it as a political weapon against terrorism. However, it could raise questions about international law and the role of the World Bank. Experts say that this decision will further increase the need for dialogue and a diplomatic solution between the two countries. Pakistan is likely to raise this step at the international forum. This incident signals a new chapter in India-Pakistan relations, which could have profound implications for regional stability and water resource management in the coming days.
ALSO READ:The Pak Govt X Handle Withheld in India.
