ISLAMABAD — During an international seminar on Wednesday, experts highlighted the dangers posed by unilateral actions threatening the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). For over 60 years, this treaty has been essential in managing river flows between India and Pakistan.
Treaty Threats Discussed at Seminar
The India Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a seminar titled “Weaponisation of Water: Legal and Strategic Implications of Undermining the Indus Waters Treaty.” Regional scholars and analysts gathered to explore the legal and strategic threats challenging this 1960 agreement.
- Protecting regional water governance frameworks
- Exploring treaty’s role in bilateral cooperation
- Assessing ongoing threats to the agreement
Legal and Security Concerns
Established by the World Bank in 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty is vital for regional water governance and resource allocation between Pakistan and India. Experts warned that weaponizing water resources could lead to significant legal challenges and heightened tensions, worsening South Asia’s fragile security environment.
Economic Impact on Regional Growth
Bilateral cooperation is crucial for regional stability since water security is key to both nations’ economic growth. Experts cautioned that treaty disruptions could adversely affect trade relations and investment flows, which depend on stable water governance.
Vulnerable Economic Sectors
A breakdown in water-sharing agreements could threaten several economic sectors:
- Agriculture and food security
- Energy production and hydropower
- Manufacturing and industrial output
- Cross-border trade networks
The Indus Waters Treaty has supported decades of cross-border economic initiatives. Upholding this framework is vital for maintaining regional economic growth and investment stability.
