Indus Water Treaty, which was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan and brokered by the World Bank, governs the sharing of the Indus River system waters. It granted the use and allocation of the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas and Sutlej) to India and the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) to Pakistan. 

The treaty established a Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) for the purposes of cooperation and dispute resolution and allowed for water use for irrigational, domestic, and industrial purposes. Despite various points of tension, this treaty has allowed for peaceful water sharing for decades. Some issues that have arisen in recent years have interfered with treaty implementation and impacted bilateral relations between the two countries. Ultimately, the treaty is a European Union key basis for Indo-Pak water sharing.

Also Read: Indus River System

What is the Indus Water Treaty?

Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan. The treaty divides the Indus river system into eastern and western rivers, granting India control over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) and Pakistan control over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). The treaty was created to prevent disputes and maintain peace by ensuring both countries can use the water fairly for agricultural, domestic, and industrial needs.

The treaty also sets up a Permanent Indus Commission for cooperation and dispute resolution, which helps both sides communicate and resolve any disagreements about water use.

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Indus Water Treaty Map and River Distribution

The map of the Indus Water Treaty demonstrates the partition of the six largest rivers of the Indus system. 

• The River distribution of the Indus Water Treaty gives the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) to Pakistan to utilize at will but the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India.

This division implies that Pakistan enjoys 80 percent of the total waters since the western rivers are the greatest contributors to the waters and India owns 20 percent of the eastern rivers. The treaty permits India to make non-consumptive use of western rivers such as hydropower generation and irrigation under certain restrictions.

Provisions of the Indus Water Treaty 

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT), signed on September 19, 1960, is a landmark agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank, which governs the distribution and management of the Indus River and its tributaries. The main aim of this treaty is to define the rights and responsibilities of both countries concerning the shared water resources and to provide a clear framework for cooperation, dispute resolution, and sustainable development along the Indus Basin.

Water Sharing Arrangements

The treaty systemically divides the six rivers of the Indus system between the two nations for exclusive usage. 

• The three “western rivers”—Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum—are allocated to Pakistan for unrestricted use, except for certain limited non-consumptive, agricultural, and domestic uses permitted to India. 
• In contrast, the three “eastern rivers”—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—are allocated exclusively to India for unrestricted usage. In practice, this means Pakistan receives around 80% of the total water share, with India entitled to about 20%.

Permanent Indus Commission

To oversee the treaty’s implementation, both nations established the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), which is mandated to meet annually. The PIC serves as a regular platform for the exchange of data, information, and technical cooperation on issues concerning the river system, facilitating transparency and confidence-building.

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Dispute Resolution Mechanism

The IWT is notable for its three-tiered dispute resolution process:

• First, any technical “questions” arising are addressed at the Permanent Indus Commission.
• Unresolved issues can be elevated to the inter-governmental level.
• If still unresolved, the matter can be referred to a Neutral Expert, appointed by the World Bank. In some cases, disputes can also be taken to a Court of Arbitration constituted by the World Bank.

Oversight

The treaty provides a protocol for the inspection, construction, and modification of water infrastructure projects. Notable projects like Pakal Dul, Lower Kalnai, Kishanganga, and Ratle Hydroelectric projects have undergone inspections and international scrutiny based on the IWT guidelines, ensuring neither country’s interests are unfairly compromised.

The provisions above ensure the Indus Water Treaty remains one of the most enduring examples of transboundary water sharing, laying emphasis on cooperation, regular dialogue, and efficient dispute resolution, even in the face of political tensions between India and Pakistan.

Importance of the Indus Water Treaty 1960

The Indus Water Treaty of 1960 is one of the longest-standing water-sharing agreements worldwide. It has survived many tense moments, even wars, and continues to help maintain cooperation over shared rivers despite political conflicts between India and Pakistan. It ensures the river water is shared fairly to support agriculture and livelihoods in both countries.

Recently, in 2025, India suspended the treaty following security concerns, adding complexity to the relationship. This suspension affects water flow from western rivers and has raised discussions about the treaty’s future.

Main Points of the Indus Water Treaty UPSC Students Should Know

For UPSC or general studies exams, students should focus on the treaty’s main points:

• Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan.
• Divides the six Indus rivers between the two countries.
• Pakistan gets Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab (western rivers).
• India gets Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej (eastern rivers).
• Establishes the Permanent Indus Commission.
• Provides a three-tier dispute resolution system.
• Allows limited non-consumptive use by India on western rivers.
• The treaty has survived despite Indo-Pak tensions and conflicts.
• India suspended the treaty in 2025 over security concerns.

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Indus Water Treaty News and Current Status

The treaty is often in the media spotlight because of its geopolitical significance. The most recent news is that India cancelled the treaty in 2025, as tensions rose after the Pahalgam terror attack. This nullification of the treaty allows India to have greater control over the western rivers, which takes away Pakistan’s water for farming and cities. The situation remains precarious as both countries must navigate water usage within broader political contexts.

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