India’s recent steps regarding the Indus Waters Treaty are aimed at protecting its legitimate interests in the Indus Basin. These actions should not be seen as aggressive but rather as a necessary adjustment to an imbalanced framework that lacked reciprocity. Pradeep Kumar Saxena, former Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters, emphasized that Pakistan has frequently used dispute resolution mechanisms strategically to impede progress rather than resolve genuine issues.
India has faced opposition from Pakistan on various hydropower projects proposed on the Western rivers, despite complying with the treaty’s provisions. Projects like Baglihar, Kishenganga, Pakal Dul, and Tulbul have encountered extended objections and technical hurdles from Pakistan. Saxena highlighted that Pakistan’s objections are more about hindering Indian development in Jammu and Kashmir than ensuring treaty compliance.
Pakistan has exploited India’s adherence to the treaty to portray India as a potential “water aggressor” internationally. By invoking the notion of India “weaponizing water” against Pakistan, Pakistani officials have aimed to garner diplomatic support and constrain India’s legitimate rights under the treaty. Despite this narrative, India has consistently upheld the treaty without any violations, even during times of conflict and terrorism sponsored by Pakistan.
Saxena underscored that India’s compliance with the treaty has been misused by Pakistan, resulting in an agreement that favored Pakistan disproportionately. Despite conceding 80% of the water and adhering strictly to the treaty for over six decades, India has faced challenges in realizing its developmental goals due to Pakistan’s obstructionist tactics.
