Water Troubles For Pakistan? India To Reassess Indus Treaty Amid Increased Cross-Border Terrorism, Issues Notice

India has formally notified Pakistan, requesting a review of the Indus Water Treaty, citing "fundamental and unforeseen" changes in circumstances that necessitate a reassessment of the agreement.

The notice was issued on 30 August under Article XII(3) of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), according to government sources cited by The Hindu on Wednesday (18 September).

The IWT was signed between India and Pakistan on 19 September 1960, after nine years of negotiations, with the World Bank also acting as a signatory.

The treaty outlines a framework for cooperation and information exchange regarding the use of several transboundary rivers.

India’s notification underscores significant changes in circumstances that justify re-evaluating its obligations under various articles of the treaty.

Key concerns include shifts in population demographics, environmental challenges, and the urgent need to accelerate clean energy development to meet India's emission reduction goals.

The notice was issued amid a long-standing dispute concerning the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects.

In response, the World Bank has initiated both the neutral-expert mechanism and the Court of Arbitration to address the same issues.

India has called for a reassessment of the treaty's dispute-resolution mechanism, criticising the simultaneous activation of both processes as inconsistent with the IWT's prescribed three-step mechanism.

India has opted to pursue resolution through the neutral-expert process and has not participated in the Court of Arbitration.

With this notification, India has urged Pakistan to engage in government-level negotiations to review the treaty under Article XII(3).