India has given notice to Pakistan for modification of the Indus Waters Treaty, citing concerns over Pakistan’s handling of the agreement. The notice, sent on January 25th, was deliver through the respective commissioners for Indus waters. Government sources indicate that India is seeking to address issues related to cooperation and information exchange surrounding the use of water from several rivers. The treaty, which was sign in 1960 after nine years of negotiations, with the World Bank as a signatory, sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries. However, recent actions by Pakistan are result to this notice.
According to the sources, India has consistently been a dependable ally and responsible partner in putting the IWT into practise in text and spirit. However, the source added, “Pakistan’s activities have severely affected the IWT provisions and their execution, forcing India to give an appropriate notification for amendment of the treaty.”
The treaty, which was sign by both countries in 1960 after nine years of negotiations, includes a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange regarding the use of waters from several rivers. However, Pakistan’s actions, including a 2016 decision to withdraw a request for a neutral expert to examine objections to India’s hydroelectric projects and instead propose a Court of Arbitration, are in contravention of the treaty’s dispute settlement provisions, the sources said.