What is Indus Waters Treaty? Know Details Here
New Delhi, 23rd April 2025: The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a water-sharing agreement signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, with the World Bank acting as a broker and signatory to the treaty. It governs the use of water from six rivers in the Indus River system, which flows through both countries.
✅ Key Facts About the Indus Waters Treaty:
- Signed on: September 19, 1960
- Signatories:
- India (Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru)
- Pakistan (President Ayub Khan)
- World Bank (as a third-party guarantor)
- Brokered by: The World Bank
🏞️ Rivers Covered:
The treaty divides the rivers into two categories:
Western Rivers (given to Pakistan):
- Indus
- Jhelum
- Chenab
- India is allowed limited use for non-consumptive purposes like irrigation, hydropower generation, and navigation, but cannot store water or divert it for other uses.
Eastern Rivers (given to India):
- Ravi
- Beas
- Sutlej
- India has full rights to use these rivers, and Pakistan has no claim over them.
⚖️ Purpose:
To ensure peaceful sharing of water resources and reduce the risk of conflict between the two countries, especially considering that water is a critical and often contentious issue.
🚨 Recent Developments:
India has occasionally reviewed the treaty during times of heightened tensions with Pakistan, especially after major terrorist attacks. In 2025, for instance, India suspended the treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack, stating it would remain suspended until Pakistan stopped supporting cross-border terrorism.
