A Treaty Pakistan Destroyed Long Before India Set It Aside
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is often portrayed by India as an imbalanced pact, providing unwarranted concessions to Pakistan. This viewpoint became more pronounced after India’s announcement in April 2025 to hold the treaty in abeyance. However, this narrative overlooks the structured and legal framework of the treaty, which is not based on Indian generosity nor is it a concession to Pakistan.
Established on September 19, 1960, with the help of the World Bank, the IWT sought to replace upstream discretion with defined rights and obligations. It guaranteed stability in managing the Indus River System. Through the treaty, India gained unrestricted use of the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), while Pakistan’s rights were protected regarding the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). This strategically negotiated settlement required Pakistan to adjust its irrigation practices, thereby mirroring the new allocations.
Labeling this accord as unfair neglects the context in which it was crafted and the diplomatic balance it maintains. Restrictions on India’s usage of Western Rivers protect Pakistan’s water security as the lower riparian state. These constraints are vital and have ensured the treaty’s endurance over decades.
Claims that Pakistan blocks India’s hydropower projects ignore the treaty’s allowances. The treaty permits India to build run-of-river plants on Western Rivers under specific design criteria. Disputes that Pakistan raises often revolve around these technical criteria and fall within its rights to seek arbitration under Article IX. These actions do not represent obstruction; rather, they involve treaty execution, not misuse.
The Treaty remains active and binding despite India’s unilateral decision in April 2025. Notwithstanding political tensions, no valid legal framework allows for its suspension or termination without mutual agreement. Article XII emphasizes that IWT can be terminated only through a ratified treaty between India and Pakistan. The Court of Arbitration has confirmed its validity, especially through its recent Supplemental Award in May 2026.
For over six decades, the IWT has offered a reliable, rules-based system to manage a critical transboundary river system. Undermining this treaty could significantly destabilize the region, turning water security into a point of contention rather than cooperation. Pakistan remains devoted to following the letter and spirit of the IWT, urging India to revert to full compliance through established procedures for dispute resolution.
With the livelihoods and food security of 250 million Pakistanis depending on the Indus Basin, the treaty’s continued implementation is crucial. It is not merely about political leverage; it concerns vital water security that has maintained South Asian stability for generations.