‘Haq Ka Pani’: India Renews Focus on Indus Waters Treaty and Water Security

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertion that “Haq ka pani” (India’s rightful share of water) will serve Indian farmers has renewed debate over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and India’s approach to its river resources.

Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with World Bank mediation , the treaty divided the Indus river system’s waters. The eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej were allocated mainly to India , while the western rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab were largely assigned to Pakistan , with India retaining limited rights for use in irrigation, domestic needs and hydropower.

The Indus river system , originating in the Tibetan Plateau and flowing through India into Pakistan before reaching the Arabian Sea, supports agriculture and livelihoods across regions including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Pakistan’s Punjab and Sindh provinces .

India has argued that decades of restrictions have limited the full utilisation of its allocated waters, while inefficiencies in water management and unused flows have affected its own water-stressed regions. The issue has gained prominence amid deteriorating India-Pakistan ties and concerns over cross-border terrorism.

Projects such as Baglihar and Salal hydroelectric plants on the Chenab have highlighted differences over technical interpretations of the treaty. India has maintained that its focus is on scientific water management, hydropower development and ensuring productive use of its legitimate share .

With climate change and rising water demand intensifying pressure on river resources, New Delhi’s “Haq ka pani” message signals a push for greater water security and balanced utilisation of the Indus basin while continuing to engage with established international water principles.