Geopolitics And Transboundary Water Governance Between India And Pakistan

Abstract

This paper examines the transboundary water governance between India and Pakistan in the backdrop of the evolving geopolitics between both the states. In 1960, after years of mediation facilitated by the World Bank, both the states agreed on a water-sharing framework known as the Indus [1]Waters Treaty (IWT). This treaty has been regarded as a durable water sharing agreement as it stood relevant and legally intact even in the times of wars between both the riparian states. However, with the emergence of new factors such as climate change, rapid population growth and water scarcity, the IWT has started coming under stress. The geopolitical factors like the Kashmir issue and the cross-border terrorism incidents in the Indian-administered Kashmir have also brought the IWT under increased stress threatening its durability and even survival. Through the framework of constructivism, this paper explores the transboundary water governance between India and Pakistan in the backdrop of recent developments.