India Issues Formal Notice to Pakistan for Review of Indus Waters Treaty

India has formally requested Pakistan to review and modify the Indus Waters Treaty, citing unresolved disputes over hydropower projects and changing circumstances. The notice, issued under Article XII (3), highlights concerns about environmental impacts, clean energy needs, and terrorism. Future negotiations will address these issues without World Bank involvement.

India has formally requested Pakistan to commence government-to-government negotiations to review and modify the 62-year-old Indus Waters Treaty. This notice, issued on August 30 under Article XII (3) of the treaty, reflects India's concerns over unresolved disputes and changing circumstances.

The move comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations over the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects, which involve the Chenab and Neelam rivers in Jammu and Kashmir. India’s notice highlights several issues, including demographic changes, environmental impacts, and the need to advance clean energy, all exacerbated by persistent cross-border terrorism.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed in 1960, has not been amended since its inception. It allocates the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan, and the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—to India, allowing each country specific rights to use the rivers assigned to the other.

The World Bank has previously activated both the “neutral expert” mechanism and the Permanent Court of Arbitration to address disputes related to the hydropower projects. However, India has expressed concerns about the simultaneous processes potentially leading to conflicting rulings and undermining the treaty’s integrity.

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India's notice underscores the need for a reassessment of the treaty’s provisions to address current challenges. The proposed negotiations will be open-ended and aim to revise the treaty to better meet the evolving needs of both countries. The World Bank will not participate in these discussions, which are expected to cover all aspects of the treaty.