India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty: What It Means for India and Pakistan
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India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed 26 people. The attack was attributed to Pakistan-based militants.
What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
Signed in 1960, the IWT is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank. It allocates the three eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi) to India and the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) to Pakistan. The treaty has withstood multiple conflicts between the two countries.
Implications of the Suspension
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Data Sharing Halted: India will stop sharing water flow data with Pakistan.
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Increased Control: India can now build storage facilities on the western rivers, which were previously restricted.
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No Pakistani Oversight: Pakistani officials will no longer inspect Indian hydroelectric projects.
Potential Consequences
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For Pakistan: Reduced water flow could affect agriculture and daily life, especially in regions dependent on the Indus River system.
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For India: While gaining more control over its rivers, India risks further straining relations with Pakistan, potentially leading to increased regional instability.
This suspension marks a significant shift in India-Pakistan relations, with water resources becoming a new point of contention.
