Is India Delaying the Review of the Indus Waters Treaty?
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Synopsis
The Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended as India maintains its stance against Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam attack. The MoJS has no immediate plans to review this suspension, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to cease its support for cross-border terrorism. Explore the implications of this decision and the ongoing debates in Jammu and Kashmir.
Key Takeaways
- India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty reflects ongoing security concerns.
- The MoJS is firm on its stance against Pakistan.
- Discussions regarding the treaty are currently on hold.
- Conflicting views on the Tulbul Navigation project highlight regional tensions.
- The RSMS Portal enhances monitoring of reservoir capacities.
New Delhi, May 16 (NationPress) The Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) is not rushing to reconsider its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a move made by the government as part of stringent actions against Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, according to a senior official on Friday.
The treaty was a focal point in the MoJS monthly report submitted to Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan earlier this week, reflecting a status quo on the treaty's suspension.
Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, stated in the monthly report that the IWT will remain suspended “until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism”.
The Indian government is not inclined to entertain a request from Pakistani Water Resources Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza, who proposed discussions regarding objections raised by New Delhi during previous attempts to renegotiate the IWT.
Discussions regarding the IWT coincided with conflicting opinions from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on the revival of the Tulbul Navigation project in J&K after the treaty's suspension.
The Tulbul Navigation project, aimed at revitalizing the Wular Lake fed by the Jhelum, was initiated in 1987 but was halted in 2007 due to Pakistani objections under the IWT.
Following India's suspension of the treaty on April 23, just a day after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Abdullah expressed the need to resume work on the project related to Wular Lake.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister questioned, “Given that the water agreement with Pakistan is currently suspended, will we be able to restart the project?”
Mufti opposed this notion, labeling Abdullah’s suggestion as “irresponsible and dangerously provocative”.
Last month, Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil unveiled a web-based Reservoir Storage Monitoring System (RSMS) Portal.
The Central Water Commission tracks the live storage capacity of 161 key reservoirs across the country and issues a weekly bulletin every Thursday. The overall live storage capacity of these reservoirs at full reservoir level (FRL) is approximately 182.375 billion cubic meters (BCM), which constitutes around 70.74 percent of the total live storage capacity estimated for the nation.
This bulletin is disseminated to the PMO, Niti Aayog, MoJS, MOP, MOA&FW, IMD, Disaster Management Authorities, and all relevant states, and is also made available on the CWC website.
Point of View
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is a protective measure by India in response to security concerns. Our nation prioritizes its sovereignty and safety, and the government’s firm stance reflects a commitment to national interests. Balancing diplomacy and security remains a key challenge as we navigate these complex relations.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, established in 1960, governing the use of the Indus River and its tributaries.
Why has India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty?
India suspended the treaty as part of stringent actions against Pakistan following security threats, specifically after the Pahalgam attack.
What does the suspension mean for water distribution?
The suspension indicates a halt in the cooperative management of water resources as outlined by the treaty, impacting both nations' water distribution strategies.
Are there any ongoing discussions regarding the treaty?
Currently, the Indian government is not considering discussions with Pakistan regarding the treaty, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to address its support for terrorism.
What are the implications of the Tulbul Navigation project?
The Tulbul Navigation project aims to rejuvenate the Wular Lake, but its future is uncertain due to the suspension of the treaty and differing opinions amongst regional leaders.
