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The World Bank has reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)—a landmark water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan—cannot be suspended or modified unilaterally, despite recent claims made by the Indian government amid heightened regional tensions.
In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, World Bank President Ajay Banga made it clear that the institution serves only a facilitative and administrative role under the treaty and holds no power to enforce or modify its provisions.
“We have no decision-making authority under the treaty. We pay the fees of the involved personnel through a trust fund that was created at the time of the agreement. Any changes to the treaty require both countries to agree,” Banga emphasized.
India Announces Suspension, Pakistan Responds Firmly
Tensions flared earlier this month following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). In the aftermath, India announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and closed the Attari-Wagah border, a major civilian and trade crossing point.
However, the Pakistani government quickly responded, asserting that the treaty remains fully operational and legally binding.
“Any violation of the Indus Waters Treaty is unacceptable,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan. “Pakistan considers the treaty a cornerstone of regional water cooperation and will defend its rights at all international forums.”
No Formal Treaty Alteration Received: World Bank
Ajay Banga confirmed that no formal communication has been received by the World Bank from either India or Pakistan regarding a treaty suspension or modification. He further stressed that there is no clause in the original treaty that allows for suspension by one party.
“If the treaty is to be revised or nullified, it has to be done bilaterally. One side cannot decide to suspend or replace the treaty on its own,” he said.
This statement places India’s announcement under scrutiny from the international legal and diplomatic community, as unilateral suspension could constitute a breach of a binding international agreement.
What Is the Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in September 1960 after nearly a decade of negotiations, facilitated by the World Bank, between India and Pakistan following the Partition of British India in 1947.
The agreement was designed to ensure peaceful and equitable sharing of water resources between the two nations. It granted:
- India control over the eastern rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej
- Pakistan control over the western rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab
While India retains limited rights to use the western rivers for hydroelectric projects, these must be “run-of-the-river” developments, ensuring that water flow into Pakistan is not significantly disrupted.
Strategic Significance and Fragility of the Treaty
Despite decades of hostilities between the two countries, including multiple wars, the Indus Waters Treaty has endured, largely because of its clear framework and the mediating presence of the World Bank.
However, the treaty is now caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions, terrorism accusations, and water scarcity concerns.
With over 1.6 billion people depending on the Indus Basin, the consequences of a treaty breakdown could be catastrophic, triggering water conflicts, agricultural disruptions, and humanitarian crises.
Legal and Diplomatic Implications
Experts say India’s unilateral announcement has no legal standing under international law unless ratified bilaterally.
“This treaty is not just a bilateral agreement—it’s also governed by international legal standards,” said Dr. Maria Sultan, a South Asia security analyst. “Any violation risks India’s international credibility, especially in forums where water security and climate diplomacy are paramount.”
Pakistan’s Position: Treaty Must Be Honored
Pakistan continues to view the treaty as a vital mechanism for peace and cooperation in the region. In its formal reply to India’s communication, Islamabad reiterated its commitment to upholding the treaty, urging New Delhi to engage in dialogue rather than escalating tensions.
The Foreign Office also warned of potential diplomatic consequences if India were to act on its suspension declaration unilaterally.
