Understanding Climate Change: Why Water Conflicts Are Rising in South Asia – An OpEd

India’s approach to water management in South Asia is changing. Instead of collaborating with neighboring countries, it is increasingly using water as a political tool. This shift is more than just an environmental issue; it poses risks to peace, international law, and human security.

Recently, India put the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on hold. This treaty, signed in 1960, was meant to divide the Indus river systems between India and Pakistan and promote cooperative water management. India’s decision to bypass this agreement, citing Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism, is a significant move. For Pakistan, dependent on the Indus for agriculture and energy, this feels like a declaration of water warfare. Historically, India has leveraged its upstream position on rivers like the Ganges, using water management to gain political advantages.

The IWT was seen as a successful example of conflict resolution. But India’s recent actions undermine not only Pakistan’s water security but also send a troubling signal to smaller nations in the region. In Pakistan, a country already facing climate challenges, this shift threatens food and water supply for over 240 million people, potentially leading to humanitarian crises and economic instability.

Bangladesh is also affected. The Ganges Treaty hasn’t effectively addressed the issues stemming from India’s Farakka Barrage, which diverts up to 80% of the river’s flow during dry seasons. This diversion has led to desertification and failing crops. Locals even refer to it as the “Death Barrage,” highlighting the severe consequences for communities downstream.

The issue doesn’t stop at India’s eastern borders. In Nepal and Bhutan, Indian-led hydropower projects have been implemented without sufficient local consent, often leading to flooding and displacement. India’s plans for the National River Linking Project—a $168 billion scheme to redirect numerous rivers—raise concerns about its dominance over regional water resources. Moreover, India’s hesitation to engage with global water-sharing norms signals its preference for unilateral control over collaborative governance.

This new strategy affects global standards for water management as well. By suspending the IWT, India risks setting a dangerous precedent. If powerful nations can simply abandon treaties, it could destabilize water-sharing arrangements worldwide, affecting rivers from the Nile to the Mekong.

Moreover, the implications of climate change are stark. South Asia is extremely vulnerable, facing everything from flooding to droughts. Instead of fostering cooperation to address these challenges, India’s tactics exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, revealing a troubling trend in prioritizing power over partnership.

The potential for escalating tensions is real. Pakistan has labeled India’s actions as “water terrorism” and sees the treaty’s suspension as hostile. Given both countries’ nuclear capabilities, a water dispute could easily ignite a larger conflict.

The international community, including organizations like the United Nations, needs to intervene. It’s crucial to mediate and promote fair water-sharing practices before the situation worsens. If left unchecked, we could see a future where access to water becomes a weapon in geopolitical battles. Addressing these issues today is vital—it’s a global alert that demands attention before crises become irreversible.

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