India’s Water Diplomacy

1. Overview of India's Water Diplomacy

• • Objective: Balancing regional cooperation with national and strategic interests.
  • Context: Increasing competition with China, especially regarding transboundary rivers like the Brahmaputra and Indus.

2. Key Treaties and Agreements

 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):

• • Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan.
  • Allocates water rights: India controls eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), Pakistan controls western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).
  • Established the Permanent Indus Commission for dispute resolution.

 Ganga Water Treaty (1996):

• • Facilitates fair sharing of Ganga river water post-Farakka Barrage construction.
  • Ongoing discussions for renewal in 2026.

Teesta Water-Sharing Agreement:

• • Stalled negotiations since 2011 due to opposition from West Bengal's Chief Minister.
  • Critical for Bangladesh's agriculture and consumption.

Mahakali Treaty (1996):

• •  Combines multiple agreements for the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project between India and Nepal.
  • Addresses water access concerns but faces political delays.

3. Challenges Faced by India

• • Lower Riparian State: India’s position as a lower riparian state complicates negotiations, especially with upstream countries like China.
  • China's Hydro-Hegemony: China's unilateral actions on rivers (e.g., Mekong) challenge India's water-sharing frameworks.
  • Political Tensions: Ongoing disputes with Pakistan and internal opposition in India affect water diplomacy.

4. Impact on Bhutan's Development

• • Hydropower Cooperation: India has significantly contributed to Bhutan's hydropower sector, which is vital for Bhutan's economy (63% of exports).
  • Key Projects: Chukha Hydropower Project and ongoing projects under the 2006 Agreement on Hydropower Cooperation.

5. Comparison with China's Approach

• • China's Strategy: Reluctance to adhere to international water-sharing norms, focusing on hydro-hegemony.
  • India's Approach: Emphasises cooperative frameworks and treaties to manage shared water resources.

Link To The Original Article – https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/indias-water-diplomacy-regional-cooperation-and-strategic-interests-9885159/