Pakistan in Big Trouble! India Will Cancel Indus Water Treaty in 45 Days

Summary

The video explores the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan, discussing its historical context, significance, and the geopolitical dynamics at play. India and Pakistan's relationship over water resources has been shaped by the partition, conflicts, and various treaties, with India offering generous concessions. Despite its own challenges, India has honored the treaty, unlike Pakistan, which has frequently challenged it. The video also delves into Pakistan's objections to Indian projects and the role of the World Bank. It concludes by questioning whether India should continue with the treaty or reassess its position given the ongoing tensions.

Takeaways

• 😀 India has issued a 'Water War' warning to Pakistan after 62 years, demanding modifications to the 1967 Indus Water Treaty.
• 😀 India has given Pakistan a 19-day ultimatum to respond; failure to do so could lead to India exiting the treaty.
• 😀 Without the Indus river, 75% of Pakistan's population would lose access to water, and 90% of their food production would be affected.
• 😀 The Indus Water Treaty was signed after the 1948 Indo-Pak War, with the World Bank mediating between India and Pakistan.
• 😀 India holds control over the upstream regions of the Indus River, while Pakistan controls the downstream areas.
• 😀 India only receives 20% of the Indus water, with Pakistan receiving the remaining 80%, despite India’s larger upstream position.
• 😀 The Indus River is essential for Pakistan’s agriculture, providing key minerals like iron, potassium, and zinc, but it is heavily polluted now.
• 😀 Despite receiving only 20% of the Indus water, India has been generous with Pakistan in the past and has not used water as a weapon.
• 😀 The Indus Water Treaty is considered one of the most successful water-sharing agreements globally, despite some issues with fairness.
• 😀 Pakistan has continually raised objections about India's hydro-power projects on the Indus River, even taking the issue to the World Bank and the Court of Arbitration.

Q & A

What triggered India to finally demand changes to the Indus Water Treaty after 62 years?

India's decision to demand modifications to the Indus Water Treaty came after Pakistan's continuous objections to India's hydropower projects on the Indus River. The issue escalated when Pakistan raised concerns with the World Bank in 2015 and later approached the Court of Arbitration in 2016.

Why is the Indus Water Treaty considered one of the most successful international agreements?

The Indus Water Treaty is regarded as one of the most successful because it has maintained peace and cooperation between India and Pakistan for over six decades. Despite the political tensions, both countries have adhered to the terms of the treaty, serving as a model of water-sharing agreements globally.

How much of the Indus River's water does India control under the treaty?

Under the Indus Water Treaty, India controls only 20% of the river's water, specifically from three tributaries: the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. This limited share has been a point of contention for India, given its significant dependence on the water for irrigation and agriculture.

What major consequence could result from India exiting the Indus Water Treaty?

If India exits the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan would lose access to 75% of its water supply, which is crucial for its agriculture and economy. The absence of this water would turn large parts of Pakistan into a desert, severely impacting its food production and economy.

Why did Pakistan approach the World Bank during the negotiation process of the Indus Water Treaty?

Pakistan approached the World Bank during the negotiations of the Indus Water Treaty to mediate the dispute over water sharing. Pakistan was concerned about India's control over the upper riparian waters, and the World Bank facilitated a resolution by helping both countries come to an agreement.

What role did the World Bank play in the finalization of the Indus Water Treaty?

The World Bank played a pivotal role by acting as a mediator between India and Pakistan. It helped draft the treaty and ensured that the terms were fair and acceptable to both nations. The World Bank’s involvement was essential in securing the treaty’s success and establishing it as a model for international water-sharing agreements.

How does the Indus River water affect Pakistan's agriculture?

The water from the Indus River is crucial for Pakistan's agriculture, as 90% of its food production depends on it. The river provides essential minerals like iron, potassium, and zinc, which are vital for crops. The loss of this water would devastate Pakistan’s agricultural output.

Why did India give Pakistan such a large share of the Indus River water in the treaty?

India agreed to give Pakistan a significant share of the Indus River water (80%) out of goodwill and a desire for peace between the two nations. India’s leadership at the time, including Prime Minister Nehru, believed that a fair water-sharing agreement could help foster better relations with Pakistan.

What criticisms did India face regarding the Indus Water Treaty?

India faced criticism for agreeing to give Pakistan a large share of the Indus River water, particularly since the country only received 20% of the water. Critics, including some Indian MPs, argued that India sacrificed its interests to appease Pakistan, with some even accusing Nehru of being overly generous.

What actions has India taken in recent years regarding water usage from the Indus River?

In recent years, India has started utilizing more of the Indus River’s water, including taking steps to fully use its allocated share. India has launched multiple fast-track irrigation projects to enhance its water usage and ensure that it maximizes its potential from the Indus River, while still adhering to the treaty.