Pakistan's deputy PM seeks Canada’s help to revive Indus Waters Treaty with India

Why in news

Pakistan's Deputy PM sought Canada's intervention to revive the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with India, which is currently on hold due to cross-border terrorism.

Background

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan. India suspended the treaty's implementation following a terror attack linked to Pakistan, with PM Modi stating it remains on hold until credible action against terrorists is taken.

Facts for Prelims

• Intl. orgIndus Waters Treaty (IWT): A water-sharing treaty between India and Pakistan signed in 1960.
• FactThe treaty governs the distribution of three perennial rivers: the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum (Eastern rivers to India; Western rivers to Pakistan).
• PostAnita Anand: Canadian Minister of National Defence (Note: Article mentions her as Foreign Minister, but she is the Defence Minister).

For Mains

Q. Examine how cross-border terrorism and water diplomacy intersect in the India-Pakistan relationship. Can international mediation effectively resolve hydro-political disputes?

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Security-Water Nexus: Linking water rights to counter-terrorism measures creates a volatile precedent for regional hydro-politics.
• Third-party Mediation: The role of neutral nations like Canada in mediating transboundary water disputes amidst bilateral hostility.
• Strategic Leverage: India's use of water treaty suspension as a diplomatic tool against non-state actor-led terrorism.

Keywords: Hydro-politics · Transboundary Water Management · Water Diplomacy · Non-state Actors · Bilateral Relations

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