Informational Post

What was the Indus Waters Treaty?

The Indus Waters Treaty (Sindh Tas Agreement) was a historic agreement that took place in 1960 between Pakistan and India. The purpose of this treaty was to determine the distribution of water from the Indus River and its tributaries, so that both countries could avoid water issues.

This agreement was finalized with the mediation of the World Bank on September 19, 1960, in Karachi, and was signed by the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the President of Pakistan Ayub Khan.

Key provisions of the treaty:

1. The water of the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) was allocated to India.

2. The water of the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) was allocated to Pakistan.

3. India was allowed to use a limited amount of water from the western rivers for specific purposes (such as electricity generation, agriculture), but it could not stop the flow of those rivers.

4. If there is any dispute over water usage between the two countries, it will be resolved through international arbitration.

This treaty was suspended by India on April 23, 2025.