INDIAN AQUA AGGRESSION: INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF INDUS WATER TREATY (IWT) ON FUTURE OF INDIA-PAKISTAN WATER DISPUTE

Abstract

The history of Indo-Pakistan relations is replete with animosity since independence in 1947. Among many conflictual issues, water distribution and water rights have emerged as new dimensions affecting bilateral relations. Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has been holding on since it was formalised in 1960, however, India has manipulated its provisions at will, affecting the flow of western rivers’ water to lower riparian Pakistan for past many years. India is now in a position of limiting the vital irrigation resource of Pakistan due to unlawful construction of dams in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) in violation of IWT. Despite wars and standoffs, IWT has sustained, however, Indian ambitions of constructing more dams in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) are clear violations of treaty and threatening postures towards Pakistan for not supplying even a drop of water have created distrust and heightened tension. This research article critically investigates the Indian aqua aggressions in violation of IWT, implications for Pakistan and suggesting a viable framework for safeguarding Pakistan’s water rights in the face of antagonising Indian posturing.