 |
|
The recent exchange between India and Pakistan at the United Nations International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe highlights the persistent tensions surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and the broader geopolitical dynamics between the two nations. India's strong rebuttal of Pakistan's accusations of treaty violations underscores the complex interplay of water management, security concerns, and diplomatic maneuvering that characterizes their relationship. The crux of India's argument rests on the assertion that cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan is the primary impediment to the treaty's effective implementation, framing the issue as a matter of national security rather than solely a matter of water rights. This perspective positions India as a responsible actor committed to upholding the treaty's principles, while simultaneously holding Pakistan accountable for actions that purportedly undermine its execution. Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh's condemnation of Pakistan's attempt to misuse the UN forum to raise irrelevant issues signals India's determination to prevent the politicization of technical discussions related to water management and glacial preservation. By characterizing Pakistan's concerns as unwarranted, India seeks to delegitimize its complaints and maintain control over the narrative surrounding the treaty's status. The reference to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, as a catalyst for India's suspension of the treaty is significant, as it establishes a direct link between security concerns and the treaty's implementation. This connection allows India to justify its actions as necessary measures to protect its national interests in the face of perceived threats emanating from Pakistan. Furthermore, India's call for a reassessment of the treaty in light of changing global realities, including technological advances, climate change, and demographic shifts, suggests a proactive approach to adapting the treaty to contemporary challenges. By advocating for modernization, India aims to ensure that the treaty remains relevant and effective in addressing the evolving water management needs of both countries. This initiative could potentially lead to negotiations aimed at incorporating new provisions that reflect the current environmental and technological landscape. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's criticism of India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty as a "unilateral and illegal decision" reflects Pakistan's perspective on the issue. Pakistan views the treaty as a vital agreement that guarantees its access to water resources and considers any attempt to suspend or unilaterally alter it as a threat to its water security. The reference to the potential endangerment of millions of lives underscores the significance of the treaty for Pakistan's agricultural sector and overall economy. The divergent perspectives of India and Pakistan on the Indus Waters Treaty highlight the deep-seated mistrust and historical grievances that continue to shape their relationship. The treaty, while serving as a framework for water sharing, has also become a focal point for broader political and security disputes between the two countries. The use of international forums such as the UN conference in Dushanbe to air grievances related to the treaty reflects the importance both countries attach to garnering international support for their respective positions. The presence of over 2,500 delegates from 80 UN member states and 70 international organizations at the conference underscores the global interest in water management and glacial preservation issues, providing a platform for both India and Pakistan to present their perspectives to a wide audience.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with the World Bank as a guarantor, is a complex and comprehensive agreement that governs the allocation of water resources from the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. The treaty assigns the waters of the three eastern rivers – the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej – to India, while the waters of the three western rivers – the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab – are allocated to Pakistan. India is permitted to use the waters of the western rivers for limited irrigation, power generation, and domestic purposes, subject to certain restrictions and obligations. The treaty also establishes a framework for cooperation and information sharing between the two countries, including the establishment of a Permanent Indus Commission to resolve disputes and promote communication. Despite its longevity and relative success in preventing major water conflicts, the treaty has been subject to periodic disputes and disagreements, often stemming from differing interpretations of its provisions and the changing geopolitical context. India's decision to suspend the treaty's implementation following the April 22 terror attack is a significant departure from its previous adherence to the treaty's provisions, reflecting a growing frustration with Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism. The suspension of the treaty is intended to exert pressure on Pakistan to address India's security concerns and to demonstrate India's resolve in the face of perceived provocations. However, the suspension also carries potential risks, including the possibility of escalating tensions and undermining the long-standing framework for water sharing between the two countries. India's call for a reassessment of the treaty reflects a broader trend towards adapting international agreements to address contemporary challenges. The treaty was originally framed in a context of limited technological capabilities and different environmental conditions. The rapid advancements in technology, the increasing impacts of climate change, and the shifting demographic patterns necessitate a review of the treaty's provisions to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness. Climate change, in particular, poses significant challenges to water management in the Indus basin, as it alters precipitation patterns, increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and threatens the stability of glaciers. These changes could have profound implications for water availability and distribution, potentially exacerbating existing tensions between India and Pakistan. Technological advancements, such as improved irrigation techniques and water monitoring systems, also offer opportunities to enhance water management and improve the efficiency of water use. A reassessment of the treaty could explore ways to incorporate these technologies into the framework for water sharing and cooperation. The demographic shifts in both India and Pakistan also have implications for water demand and allocation. The growing populations and urbanization patterns are increasing the demand for water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes, placing strain on existing water resources. A reassessment of the treaty could consider ways to address these challenges and ensure that the water needs of both countries are met in a sustainable and equitable manner.
The underlying issue driving the current dispute is the persistent problem of cross-border terrorism, which India alleges is sponsored and supported by Pakistan. India argues that this terrorism directly impacts its ability to effectively implement the Indus Waters Treaty, as security concerns hinder the development and maintenance of water infrastructure projects in the region. This connection between security and water management is crucial to understanding India's stance. Pakistan, on the other hand, vehemently denies these allegations of supporting terrorism and accuses India of using this as a pretext to exert pressure and potentially violate the treaty's provisions. They maintain that India is obligated to uphold the treaty regardless of the security situation and that any attempt to unilaterally alter or suspend it is a violation of international law. This fundamental disagreement on the issue of terrorism and its impact on the treaty is at the heart of the ongoing tensions. The Indus Waters Treaty has been lauded as a successful example of water cooperation between two countries with a history of conflict. However, the current situation highlights the fragility of such agreements in the face of broader geopolitical tensions. The treaty's success relies on mutual trust and cooperation, which are undermined by the persistent accusations and counter-accusations between India and Pakistan. The international community has a role to play in encouraging dialogue and de-escalation between the two countries. The World Bank, as the guarantor of the treaty, could facilitate discussions and provide technical expertise to help resolve the disputes. Other countries and international organizations can also offer support and mediation to foster a more constructive environment for negotiations. Ultimately, a resolution to the current dispute requires a commitment from both India and Pakistan to engage in good-faith dialogue and address the underlying issues that are fueling the tensions. This includes addressing the issue of cross-border terrorism, as well as finding ways to adapt the treaty to the changing realities of the 21st century. A failure to do so could have serious consequences for water security and regional stability in the Indus basin. The situation underscores the importance of addressing not only the technical aspects of water management but also the broader political and security context in which such agreements operate. Without a comprehensive approach that addresses both the technical and political dimensions, the long-term sustainability of the Indus Waters Treaty is at risk.
Source: ‘Pakistan should desist from …’: India counters Indus Waters Treaty violation claim at UN Meet