#IndusWaterTreaty External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup hints that there is possibility of India revisiting the the 56-year-old Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. When he was asked about the plans of Indian government on continuing the Indus Water treaty he said, “There are differences on the treaty. For any such treaty to work, it is important there must be mutual trust and cooperation. It can’t be a one-sided affair.” This comes as a big development as India has rarely tried to touch the Indus Treaty even during the worst of times. Swarup said “For any such treaty to work, it is important there must be mutual trust and cooperation and truct. It cannot be a one-sided affair.” Also noted that the preamble of the treaty itself said it was based on “goodwill”.
What is Indus Waters Treaty ?
The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank (then the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development). The treaty was signed in Karachi on September 19, 1960 by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President of Pakistan Ayub Khan. According to this agreement, control over the three “eastern” rivers — the Beas, Ravi and Sutlej — was given to India and the three “western” rivers — the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum — to Pakistan. The treaty was a result of Pakistani fear that since the source rivers of the Indus basin were in India, it could potentially create droughts and famines in Pakistan, especially at times of war.
Know how Pakistan can kneel down without India declaring war
#UriAttacks: India may reconsider #IndusWaterTreaty signed with Pakistan https://t.co/mQUjism8h6 …
— Chitra Subramaniam (@chitraSD) September 23, 2016