Geopolitics of Water in South Asia: A Case-Study of Indus Water Treaty as a Conflict Resolution Mechanism for Pakistan-India Water Security Dilemma

Abstract

Water resources are the lifeline to any country's economic growth and development. Water is a fundamental human right because it is indispensable for human existence. Pakistan and India both are water-scarce states. The discord of Indus Basin water started when Redcliff Award favoured India. Indus Water Treaty (1960), a trans-boundary treaty played an imperative in resolving the water conflict through its conflict resolution mechanism. Of late, Pakistan protested against India’s construction of various dams, diverting the flow of western waters and violating the Indus Water Treaty. This study intends to explore the water security dilemma of Pakistan as a downstream riparian. This research concludes by presenting potential recommendations to help prevent future water crises. If harnessed properly, this treaty would help not only diffuse tensions between two nuclear neighbours but will extend peace and amity in the entire region.