Climate Change and Hydro-politics in South Asia: A Critical Analysis of the Indus Waters Treaty
Keywords:
Climate Change Hydro-politics South AsiaAbstract
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 has been cited as a model of transboundary water agreement even in a situation where the political relationship has been frosty since then. Yet, the 21st century puts the full strain on this treaty as geopolitical tensions and unequal powers spread along with the increasing consequences of climate change. This paper critically analyzes the nexus between water security and interstate competition in South Asia regarding the resilience and relevance of the IWT in managing changing hydrological realities and the increasing national security concerns. With the use of hydro politics and securitization theory, this study examines how the lack of water created by climatic changes is becoming politicized and securitized in the India-Pakistan relationship. It explores the possibility of the trend of unilateral water infrastructure development, suspension of treaties, and cross-border finger-pointing that manifests itself in the light of terrorism, reflecting a shift in cooperative relations to a coercive one.
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