Hydropolitics in South Asia: India, China, Pakistan and the Indus Waters Treaty

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, a World Bank-brokered agreement between India and Pakistan, has governed the sharing of the Indus River system’s waters, surviving decades of conflict. India’s suspension of the treaty in April 2025, following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, has escalated tensions, with Pakistan labeling it an “act of war.” This paper examines the IWT’s historical framework, geopolitical disputes, China’s upstream influence, environmental challenges, and the legal and diplomatic implications of the suspension. It argues that while the IWT exemplifies transboundary cooperation, unilateral actions, climate change, and China’s strategic role threaten its viability. Through historical analysis, case studies, comparative perspectives, and policy recommendations, the paper advocates for modernizing the treaty and fostering a multilateral framework involving India, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan to ensure water security and regional stability in South Asia, a region critical to global food and geopolitical stability.

Keywords:
Indus Waters Treaty, Hydropolitics, Climate change impacts, Water scarcity, , Indus Basin, Diplomacy