India:
India has strongly rejected Pakistan’s allegations at the United Nations regarding the alleged breach of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling the claims misleading and politically motivated. The response came after Pakistan accused India of violating the 1960 treaty by constructing hydropower projects on rivers flowing into Pakistan from Indian administered Kashmir.
Speaking at a recent UN session, India’s representative emphasized that all hydropower projects built by India on the western rivers of the Indus basin that is Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus, fully comply with the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. The Indian delegation accused Pakistan of repeatedly raising baseless objections in international forums to politicize a technical and cooperative agreement.
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, is often cited as a rare example of successful water sharing between two rival nations. Under the agreement, India received exclusive rights over the waters of the eastern rivers Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej while Pakistan was granted control over the western rivers.
India has maintained that it has not violated the treaty and that the projects in question, including the Kishanganga and Ratle dams, are within the parameters defined by the treaty. India also pointed out that it has followed dispute resolution mechanisms outlined in the treaty, including engagement with neutral experts and the World Bank when necessary.
On the other hand, Pakistan has consistently raised concerns that these dams could reduce the flow of water into its territory, thereby affecting agriculture and drinking water supply. Pakistan has requested the World Bank to intervene and initiate arbitration, claiming the technical designs breach the treaty.
India Criticised Pakistan
India responded firmly at the UN, stating that Pakistan’s allegations are not only factually incorrect but also undermine the spirit of cooperation required to manage shared water resources. Indian officials asserted that Pakistan’s frequent international complaints are a tactic to stall legitimate development work in Jammu and Kashmir.
India also criticized Pakistan for internationalizing a bilateral issue, noting that the treaty has robust mechanisms for dialogue and resolution. India emphasized that it remains committed to upholding the treaty and is open to resolving differences through peaceful and technical means, but not under pressure or misrepresentation.
Highlights
The UN session highlighted the growing tension between the two nuclear armed neighbors over water resources, a concern that experts say could become more severe with climate change. While the Indus Waters Treaty has survived wars and diplomatic breakdowns, the latest exchange at the UN underscores the fragile trust that underpins this crucial agreement.
