Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has recently signaled a significant shift in India's approach to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), suggesting a plan to utilize the Indus river water for the benefit of Indian farmers, particularly those in the northern states. This announcement has sparked considerable discussion, given the treaty's long-standing implications for water sharing between India and Pakistan.
Chouhan has been a vocal critic of the IWT, calling it a "historical mistake" made by the then-government of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1960. He argues that the treaty unfairly allocated a significant portion of the Indus waters to Pakistan, depriving Indian farmers of a vital resource. According to Chouhan, the treaty gave away 80% of the river's water to Pakistan. He also pointed out that India had also paid ₹83 crore (now worth ₹5,500 crore) to Pakistan as part of the agreement. The minister has asserted that keeping the treaty in abeyance is in the best interest of Indian farmers and the nation.
The government's decision to reconsider the IWT comes in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of several tourists. Following the attack, India has taken a firm stance on cross-border relations, including a review of agreements like the IWT. Chouhan has stated that the government is committed to ensuring that Indian farmers receive their rightful share of water from the Indus River.
Chouhan has indicated that a comprehensive plan will be developed to utilize the Indus water for agricultural purposes, especially in states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and some parts of Himachal Pradesh. The specifics of this plan are yet to be revealed, but it is expected to involve short-term, mid-term, and long-term strategies to maximize the use of the available water resources.
The Agriculture Minister's statements have been met with strong support from various farmers' organizations. Representatives from groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Bharatiya Kisan Union have lauded the government's stance, calling it a "historic decision." These organizations have also appealed to the government to completely abrogate the treaty and ensure that the Indus water is used to benefit farmers in the aforementioned states.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, is a crucial agreement between India and Pakistan that governs the distribution of water from the Indus River system. The treaty allocates the waters of the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—to India, while the waters of the three western rivers—Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum—are allocated to Pakistan. While the treaty allows India to use the western rivers for limited irrigation, power generation, and domestic purposes, it places restrictions on large-scale storage and diversion.
The implications of India's potential shift in policy regarding the IWT are far-reaching. Any unilateral action to alter the terms of the treaty could have significant consequences for India-Pakistan relations, potentially leading to increased tensions and diplomatic challenges. It remains to be seen how the government will navigate this sensitive issue while safeguarding the interests of Indian farmers and upholding international obligations.
