The Indus issue
It is amusing to hear the line by some in the media that revoking the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) would mean that Pakistan will not get a single drop of water. Practically speaking, implementing such a move would take several years. From April to September, the Indus has abundant water, making any immediate action impossible. Another crucial issue is China. Eager to harm India, it might hasten to build a dam on the Brahmaputra. India’s ‘dam construction’ on the Indus would then become Beijing’s justification. If the Brahmaputra’s flow is impeded, Assam’s situation would be dire.
Water-sharing treaties between two nations are based on international norms. Unilaterally revoking a UN-brokered agreement would harm India’s diplomatic relations. This practical consideration is why India has not withdrawn from the IWT despite three wars.
Those at the helm of affairs know that this “venting frustration on the weaker one” tactic is just a smokescreen to deceive the public. An announcement is enough and the media will take it from there. The Indus is not just a water body. It is a living heritage sustaining millions in India, Pakistan, and Tibet. The Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej are its tributaries, each one significant.
Padmanabha Suryanarayana,
Kochi, Kerala
Rising star
Vaibhav Suryavanshi has taken IPL 2025 by storm (‘Sport’ page, April 30). Taking on an experienced bowling attack, he has made it clear that he is an example of exceptional talent. Although there are plenty of cautionary tales about early success, it would be helpful for him to ‘put his head down’.
Thomas Palocaren
Vellore, Tamil Nadu
Published – May 01, 2025 12:24 am IST