What is the Indus Water Treaty?

The Indus Waters Treaty is a 1960 agreement between India and Pakistan governing the sharing of the Indus river system.

India has suspended the treaty, signaling a shift toward greater control over its rivers and faster dam construction.

Pakistan may face reduced water availability, lower crop yields, power shortages, economic fallout, and increased inter-provincial tensions.

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Indus Water Treaty Latest News

Recently, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) following a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians.

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, with the World Bank acting as a mediator.
The treaty was designed to ensure cooperation and information-sharing between the two countries regarding water use from the Indus River system, which includes six rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
The treaty allocated the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan for unrestricted use, while India retained the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—for its exclusive use.
India was allowed limited, non-consumptive uses of the western rivers for domestic, agricultural, and hydroelectric purposes, under strict conditions.
This arrangement meant that around 80% of the total water volume was granted to Pakistan, while India received the remaining 20%.
To manage the treaty’s implementation, both nations agreed to establish a Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), which is required to meet annually to discuss technical matters and facilitate data exchange.

Source: BT