Indus Waters Treaty

The Indus Waters Treaty, 1960 is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan covering the six main rivers of the Indus system. It establishes a river-wise allocation, rather than dividing the system's total water equally between the two countries.

Allocation of the six rivers

The Treaty divides the rivers into two groups, with different rights and obligations for each country.

• The three Eastern Rivers, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, are available for the unrestricted use of India, subject to the Treaty's provisions.
• The three Western Rivers, Indus, Jhelum and Chenab, are allocated primarily for the unrestricted use of Pakistan, subject to specified Indian uses.
• India is generally required to let the Western Rivers flow and must not interfere with them beyond what the Treaty permits.

India's permitted uses on the Western Rivers

The allocation does not give Pakistan exclusive control over every use of the Western Rivers. India may undertake limited activities within conditions prescribed by the Treaty and its annexures.

• India may make domestic use and non-consumptive use of the Western Rivers.
• India may undertake specified agricultural use within the limits laid down by the Treaty.
• India may generate hydroelectric power, provided its projects satisfy prescribed design and operating conditions.
• Limited storage is permitted only within the categories and capacities specified by the Treaty.

Administration and dispute settlement

The Treaty created the Permanent Indus Commission, consisting of one commissioner from each country, to facilitate cooperation, exchange information and examine questions concerning implementation.

• Questions are first considered through the Permanent Indus Commission under Article VIII.
• Under Article IX, certain differences may be referred to a Neutral Expert, while disputes may be submitted to a Court of Arbitration.