India has formally notified Pakistan to review and modify the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), citing “fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances.” Government sources confirmed this development on Wednesday.
The IWT, signed in 1960, allocated water from three rivers—Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas—to India for exclusive use, averaging around 33 Million Acre Feet (MAF). Conversely, Pakistan received the waters of the Western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—averaging about 135 MAF, with specific allowances for India.
Concerns Raised in Notification
In the notice served on August 30, India referenced Article XII(3) of the IWT, stating that provisions may be modified by a ratified Treaty. The notification outlined significant concerns, including changing population demographics, environmental issues, and the need for clean energy development to meet emission targets.
The context for this notification includes ongoing disputes over the Kishanganga and Ratle Hydro Projects. India also urged Pakistan to engage in government-to-government negotiations to reconsider the Treaty, amid the activation of both the Neutral Expert mechanism and the Court of Arbitration by the World Bank on related issues.
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