Indus Water Treaty - An Unfair Legacy

26/04/2025

More than six decades have passed since the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960. Hailed internationally as a rare example of cooperation between two estranged neighbours, the IWT has often been praised as a diplomatic achievement. Yet, for the people of Jammu & Kashmir, the treaty is not a symbol of fairness or justice, but a reminder of a historical wrong that continues to undermine their progress and prosperity. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated what many in the region have long believed: the Indus Water Treaty is the "most unfair document" ever imposed upon the people of Jammu & Kashmir. His words echo the widespread resentment that the state has harboured for decades, and it is high time that the nation-and the world-acknowledge these legitimate concerns.
The most pressing grievance lies in the manner in which the treaty was negotiated. The people of Jammu & Kashmir, whose rivers and resources were being bartered away, were not even given a seat at the negotiating table. The agreement was struck solely between the governments of India and Pakistan, with little to no consultation with the state most affected by its terms. The IWT allocates more than 80% of the waters of the Indus system to Pakistan, severely restricting India's rights to utilize the waters of the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus rivers-all of which flow through Jammu & Kashmir. As a result, the Union Territory has been left with limited capacity to harness its own natural resources for irrigation, hydropower, and drinking water. This has stunted the region's economic growth and deprived its people of opportunities for development that are rightfully theirs.
Supporters of the treaty often argue that it has prevented conflict between India and Pakistan. While this may be true at a geopolitical level, it has come at a heavy price for the common people of Jammu & Kashmir. For them, the treaty is a daily reminder of lost potential, unfulfilled promises, and a future compromised by decisions made without their consent. It is imperative that the Government of India acknowledges the deep sense of injustice felt by the people of Jammu & Kashmir. The time has come to review and renegotiate aspects of the Indus Water Treaty, ensuring that the interests and aspirations of Jammu & Kashmir are placed at the centre of any future agreement. The Union Government must also take concrete steps to compensate for the decades of lost development and ensure that the region's rightful share in its natural resources is restored.
As the Chief Minister highlighted, the safety and dignity of the people of J&K-whether within the Union Territory or in other states of India-must be safeguarded. The assurance from the Union Home Minister regarding the protection of J&K residents in other states is a positive step, but it must be matched by action on the ground. The Indus Water Treaty may have served its purpose in a different era, but its relevance and fairness must be questioned in today's context. The people of Jammu & Kashmir deserve justice, development, and a say in their own destiny. It is not just a matter of water-it is a matter of rights, dignity, and the future of an entire region.

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