The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is a water-sharing agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, brokered by the World Bank, aimed at resolving disputes over the use of water from the Indus River system, which flows through both countries.

Key Features of the Indus Water Treaty:

• Rivers Involved: The treaty divides the control over six rivers in the Indus Basin between India and Pakistan.

  • Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) were allocated to Pakistan.
  • Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) were allocated to India.

• India's Rights:

  • India is permitted unrestricted use of the water from the Eastern Rivers for purposes such as irrigation, domestic use, and hydroelectric power generation.
  • India is also allowed limited use of the Western Rivers for domestic needs, agriculture (limited irrigation), and hydropower generation, but it cannot store water or divert the flow in a way that harms Pakistan’s usage of the Western Rivers.

• Permanent Indus Commission: The treaty established a Permanent Indus Commission with commissioners from both countries to resolve disputes, share data, and monitor the implementation of the treaty.

• Dispute Resolution Mechanism: If disagreements arise, the treaty outlines a multi-stage process for resolving disputes, involving neutral experts, international arbitration, and, in some cases, intervention by the World Bank.

• Sustainability: The treaty has been largely successful in maintaining peace over water-sharing issues despite the often-tense relations between India and Pakistan. It has survived several wars and conflicts.