India sends notice to Pakistan for review of Indus Water Treaty, cites changes in circumstances

India has formally called for a review of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, citing "fundamental and unforeseen" changes in circumstances. The notice was issued to Pakistan on August 30 under Article XII(3) of the treaty, according to government sources. The IWT, signed in 1960, governs the water-sharing mechanism between the two countries for cross-border rivers.

Treaty Signed After Nine Years of Negotiations

The IWT was established after nine years of talks between India and Pakistan, with the World Bank acting as a signatory. The treaty lays out a framework for cooperation and the exchange of information on water usage for several rivers shared by both nations.

India’s Concerns and Changing Circumstances with Indus Water Treaty 1960

India has raised concerns over changes in population demographics, environmental issues, and the need for clean energy development to meet emission targets as key reasons for the reassessment. Government sources emphasized that these factors require a re-evaluation of the obligations outlined in the treaty.


The notification also highlighted the impact of cross-border terrorism on India’s position, with sources noting that persistent security threats have influenced the decision to push for a review.

Indus Water Treaty: Controversy Over Hydro Projects

One of the significant points of contention relates to the Kishanganga and Ratle hydro projects. A government source stated, "The notification was issued in the background of a separate prolonged controversy with respect to the Kishanganga and Ratle hydro projects."

In response to the ongoing dispute, the World Bank has activated both the neutral-expert mechanism and the Court of Arbitration. However, India has expressed dissatisfaction with this approach.

India's Call for Negotiations

India has refused to participate in the Court of Arbitration process, arguing that starting both the expert mechanism and arbitration simultaneously violates the treaty's provisions. "The Indian side has, therefore, also called for a reconsideration of the dispute-resolution mechanism under the treaty," the source added.

With this notice, India is urging Pakistan to engage in government-to-government negotiations to review the treaty, in line with the provisions of Article XII(3), sources said.

(Inputs from PTI)