Seminar on “India’s recent notice to Pakistan on Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), its significance and background” – March 25, 2023

Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional Branch (IIPA JKRB) organized a seminar on “India’s recent notice to Pakistan on Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), its significance and background” which was attended by eminent members from the civil society.. In his keynote address, Shri Sant Kumar Sharma, a journalist and co-author of "Indus Waters-Issues, Concerns, Perspectives," discussed the historical development of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and emphasized India's generosity towards Pakistan. He explained that India has never invoked "Article 7" and "Article 12" of the IWT, but for the first time in six decades, India has invoked Article 12(3), which calls for an amendment to the treaty. Shri Sharma highlighted three scenarios between the contending parties, India and Pakistan: no treaty, modifying the treaty, and the same treaty. The recent notice of modification has forced Pakistan to come to the negotiation table, allowing India to strategically maneuver the treaty in its favour. Therefore, Shri Sharma believed that modifying the treaty is the best option and scenario for India. During his address, Dr. J. Jeganaathan, an Assistant Professor in the Department of National Security Studies at the Central University of Jammu, explained the context of the treaty and the various developments that have occurred over the past six decades leading to the issuance of the notice. Dr. Jeganaathan also touched upon the role of the World Bank in the treaty's development and explained the treaty's dispute resolution mechanism. In conclusion, he stated that it is time to address Pakistan's intransigent behavior and take a closer look at the treaty. During his address, Shri B.R Sharma, IAS (Retd), Former Secretary, GOI & Former Chief Secretary J&K Chairman IIPA JKRB, discussed the current state of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and emphasized the need for interaction. The seminar was attended by Sh. Ashok Motwani, Brig. Anil Gupta, Brig. Dhiman, Er. JBS Johar, Dr. C.M Seth, Er. M.M Gupta, Prof. Rekha Choudhary, Sh. Prem Gupta, Prof. Ashok Aima, Prof. Alka Sharma, Prof. Virender Koundal and students & scholars working in this area. The welcome address was given by Shri K.B. Jandial, IAS (Retd), Director Seminars IIPA JKRB and Lt Col (Retd) Karan Singh, the Joint Director of Seminars in Jammu, delivered a formal vote of thanks. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary IIPA JKRB.