Recently, India announced that it wants to modify the 62-year-old
Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan.
What is the Issue?
India cites the issues of the Rattle hydroelectric project and
Kishenganga disputes as the reason for sending the notice.
Under the notice, India has called on Pakistan to enter into
intergovernmental negotiations within 90 days.
According to India, the treaty requires that disputes be resolved
through bilateral negotiations and consultations between the two countries,
rather than through international arbitration.
What is the Indus Water Treaty?
In 1960, India and Pakistan signed the IWT with the World Bank as
a signatory of the pact.
Under the treaty, India got control over the three eastern rivers
Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej while Pakistan got control of the western rivers
Indus, Jhelum, and the Chenab.
According to the treaty, India has the right to generate
hydroelectricity through the run-of-the-river (RoR) projects on the
western rivers which, are subject to specific criteria for design and
operation.
