Change in Indus Water Treaty? PM Modi: “Blood and Water Cannot Flow Together” – A Warning on the Indus Water Treaty
- India International Affairs Pakistan South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 5 minutes read
The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has been a cornerstone of water-sharing between India and Pakistan for over six decades. However, the long-standing agreement has often been a subject of political and diplomatic discussions, especially during periods of heightened tensions between the two nations. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement, “Blood and water cannot flow together,” has once again brought the treaty into focus, highlighting its significance and the potential consequences of any disruption. The Indus Water Treaty was Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the mediation of the World Bank, the Indus Water Treaty is considered one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in the world. The treaty divides the Indus River system into two categories:
- Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab): Allocated primarily to Pakistan
- Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej): Allocated to India
While Pakistan receives the bulk of the river system’s water, India retains limited rights for domestic, agricultural, and hydroelectric purposes on the western rivers. Despite several conflicts, including wars and border tensions, the treaty has remained intact.
Why Is the Indus Water Treaty Essential?
1. For India: The treaty allows India to use water from the western rivers for hydropower generation and agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and parts of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. India has been building run-of-the-river projects like Baglihar, Kishanganga, and Ratle hydropower plants, which Pakistan has frequently opposed. If India were to stop or divert water, it could strengthen its leverage over Pakistan in diplomatic matters.
2. For Pakistan: Pakistan is highly dependent on the Indus water system, as nearly 90% of its agriculture relies on irrigation from these rivers. The country’s economy, food security, and power generation depend significantly on the continued flow of Indus waters. Any disruption in water supply could lead to severe droughts, food shortages, and economic instability.
Modi’s Warning: What Does It Mean?
PM Modi’s “Blood and water cannot flow together” remark suggests that India’s patience is being tested due to cross-border terrorism and hostilities from Pakistan. This could imply: A potential reassessment of India’s approach towards the treaty if Pakistan continues supporting anti-India activities. Accelerated water projects in India to make full use of its allocated share under the treaty. Diplomatic pressure on Pakistan by highlighting its dependency on Indian-controlled water resources.
Potential Consequences of Disrupting the Treaty
While India has never officially withdrawn from the Indus Water Treaty, any changes could have serious repercussions: For Pakistan: A disruption in water supply could create an agricultural and humanitarian crisis.
The Indus Water Treaty remains a crucial lifeline for both India and Pakistan. While tensions persist, any disruption in water-sharing would have far-reaching consequences for both nations. PM Modi’s remarks signal India’s growing frustration with Pakistan’s actions, but whether this leads to a shift in water policy remains to be seen.
For now, diplomatic dialogue and strategic planning are essential to ensure regional stability and resource security while maintaining India’s national interests.
Pakistan has always been trying to create unstable situations in India and India has been calm throughout but, this may now change as the government would think about its own state more than Pakistan. The consequences are yet to be seen
