India’s Hydro-Hegemony.

In India’s Hydro-Hegemony, Brigadier (R) Haris Nawaz sheds light on India’s strategic manipulation of water resources, particularly focusing on its unilateral actions concerning the Indus Waters Treaty. The article delves into India’s construction of the Baglihar dam and other hydroelectric projects that violate the treaty’s terms, posing a direct threat to Pakistan’s water security. Nawaz argues that India’s aggressive water management policies, particularly its diversion of river flows, are tools of coercion that threaten not only Pakistan but also regional stability in South Asia. He emphasizes the need for international intervention and stronger diplomatic efforts to resolve these water disputes, calling for greater cooperation and dialogue among South Asian nations.

                                                                                     Overview

The article discusses India’s control over the headwaters of the Indus Basin and how it has used this advantage to assert dominance over Pakistan, violating the principles of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. The Baglihar dam, one of the key disputes, symbolizes India’s hydro-hegemonic ambitions, where it has exceeded treaty provisions by constructing larger dams, impacting Pakistan’s water resources. Nawaz highlights how this hydro-aggression not only undermines Pakistan’s water security but also fuels domestic political tensions and regional instability.

                                                                            Relevance to CSS/PMS Subjects/Syllabus

– Pakistan Affairs: The history and impact of the Indus Waters Treaty on Pakistan.

– International Relations: India-Pakistan relations, regional stability, and the role of international organizations in conflict resolution.

– Current Affairs: The implications of water disputes for Pakistan’s security and economy

                                                                                              NOTES

1. India-Pakistan Water Disputes: A critical issue in South Asia, with the Indus Waters Treaty playing a central role in regulating shared water resources.
2. 2. Baglihar Dam Dispute: The dam is a violation of the treaty’s run-of-the-river project stipulations, posing a threat to Pakistan’s water security.
3. Hydro-Hegemony: India’s use of water as a political tool can exacerbate tensions and lead to further conflicts in the region.
4. Diplomatic Solutions: There’s a need for renewed diplomatic efforts and international involvement to resolve water disputes.

                                                                          Explanation for Beginners

The article talks about how India has built dams, such as the Baglihar dam, which violate the water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan. This affects Pakistan’s water supply, which is essential for agriculture. The author argues that India is using water as a tool to control Pakistan and calls for international organizations to step in and resolve the issue through peaceful talks.

                                                                                       Facts and Figures

– The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank.

– The treaty allocates the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers to Pakistan, while India controls the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers.

– India’s Kishanganga and Baglihar projects have caused significant disputes between the two nations.

To wrap up, Water disputes are among the most critical issues in South Asia. For CSS aspirants, understanding the dynamics of hydro-politics is essential, particularly the Indus Waters Treaty’s significance. Aspirants should also focus on how international diplomacy and legal mechanisms can be employed to resolve such conflicts, emphasizing the importance of equitable resource management for peace in the region.

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