Roadmap for Answer Writing
Step 1: Introduction
- Briefly define transboundary river disputes and their relevance in international relations.
- Mention that India shares rivers with multiple neighbors, and disputes over these waters often affect bilateral ties.
Step 2: Body
- General Causes of Disputes
- Conflicting developmental priorities.
- Differing interpretations of treaties.
- Lack of trust and cooperation.
- Impact on Relations (Country-wise)
- India-China: Discuss the Brahmaputra River issue and China’s reluctance to share hydrological data.
- India-Pakistan: Highlight disputes under the Indus Water Treaty, including Kishanganga and Ratle projects.
- India-Bangladesh: Focus on the Teesta River dispute and limited agreements despite shared rivers.
- India-Nepal: Explain Nepal’s concerns over historical treaties and unrealized hydropower potential.
- Geopolitical Implications
- Discuss how unresolved disputes allow third-party interventions (e.g., China’s growing influence).
Step 3: Conclusion
- Summarize the need for collaborative frameworks and equitable water-sharing agreements.
- Highlight the importance of diplomacy and sustainable management of water resources.
Relevant Facts for the Answer
1. India-China Relations
- Fact: China has built over 11 major dams upstream of the Brahmaputra River.
- Fact: During the 2017 Doklam standoff, China stopped sharing hydrological data, which is crucial for flood management.
2. India-Pakistan Relations
- Fact: The Indus Water Treaty (1960) allocates 80% of the Indus waters to Pakistan, one of the most generous water-sharing agreements globally.
- Fact: India issued a notice in 2023 to modify the treaty, citing objections to projects like Kishanganga and Ratle.
3. India-Bangladesh Relations
- Fact: India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, but agreements exist only for the Ganga under the 1996 treaty.
- Fact: The Teesta River dispute remains unresolved, impacting agricultural and water security in both nations.
4. India-Nepal Relations
- Fact: Nepal claims treaties like the Kosi (1954) and Mahakali (1996) benefit India disproportionately, hindering its hydropower development.
Geopolitical Implications
- Fact: China has signed agreements with Nepal and Bangladesh on water resource management, leveraging India’s unresolved disputes.
Model Answer
Transboundary river disputes have long influenced India’s relations with its neighboring countries. These disputes arise from shared water resources, conflicting developmental priorities, and concerns over infrastructure projects. Below are the key impacts, illustrated with examples:
1. India-China Relations
China’s construction of storage structures upstream of the Brahmaputra River has raised alarms in India over potential impacts on downstream water flows.
2. India-Pakistan Relations
Disputes over the Indus Water Treaty (1960), governing six rivers, have been a persistent issue.
3. India-Bangladesh Relations
India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, but agreements exist for only one—the Ganga.
4. India-Nepal Relations
Historic treaties like the Kosi (1954) and Mahakali (1996) agreements have been sources of resentment in Nepal.
Geopolitical Implications
These disputes have allowed China to exploit tensions and strengthen its ties with India’s neighbors, intensifying regional challenges.
Conclusion
Resolving transboundary water disputes is essential for fostering regional stability. This requires sustained diplomacy, equitable agreements, and sustainable management of shared resources.