In a move that has reshaped the geopolitical and environmental landscape of South Asia, India has officially launched two major hydroelectric projects in Jammu & Kashmir, just weeks after terminating the longstanding Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan. This bold step signals a dramatic shift in India’s water policy and cross-border diplomacy, and it marks a new chapter in how the country manages its natural water resources, national security, and energy strategy.

The newly announced projects, located on the Chenab and Jhelum rivers, have sparked widespread political commentary, international reactions, and strategic recalibrations across the subcontinent. India’s decision to scrap the six-decade-old Indus Waters Treaty, originally brokered by the World Bank in 1960, comes amid escalating tensions and a growing water crisis in the region.

Background: Why India Ended the Indus Waters Treaty

The Indus Waters Treaty was historically regarded as a successful water-sharing agreement between two arch-rivals. Under the treaty, India was allocated control over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan was given rights to the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. However, India retained limited rights for non-consumptive uses like hydropower generation on the western rivers.

In recent years, India has repeatedly voiced concerns over Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism and the misuse of diplomatic channels, including the IWT. Following a string of terrorist attacks and failed bilateral talks, Indian authorities declared that the treaty was "untenable in the current geopolitical climate."

On April 20, 2025, India formally notified Pakistan of its decision to exit the treaty, invoking provisions under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which allows withdrawal from agreements under extraordinary circumstances.

The Two New Hydro Projects: A Technical and Strategic Overview

As part of its post-IWT water policy overhaul, India has greenlit the construction of two major hydroelectric plants:

1. Ujh Multipurpose Project – Kathua District

This ambitious project will harness water from the Ujh River, a tributary of the Ravi. The Ujh project, estimated to cost around ₹11,000 crore, will have an installed capacity of 280 MW. Apart from generating clean electricity, it will provide irrigation benefits to over 30,000 hectares of land and supply drinking water to nearly 4 million people in Jammu and nearby regions.

Key Features:

• Dam Height: 116 meters

• Reservoir Capacity: 781 million cubic meters

• Irrigation Potential: 30,000+ hectares

• Employment Generation: 15,000+ direct and indirect jobs

2. Bursar Hydroelectric Project – Kishtwar District

The Bursar Project on the Marusudar River (a Chenab tributary) will be India's first storage-based project on a western river. With a capacity of 800 MW, this dam is designed to regulate water flow and help stabilize the regional grid.

Key Features:

• Gross Storage Capacity: 1.4 billion cubic meters

• Projected Completion Year: 2032

• Strategic Importance: Enhances India’s control over water flow during lean seasons

Political and Strategic Ramifications

India’s move has led to varied domestic and international responses. While Indian policymakers hailed it as a "watershed moment for national sovereignty", Pakistan has taken the matter to the International Court of Justice and sought the intervention of the United Nations and World Bank.

For India:

• Strengthened Energy Independence: These hydro projects will reduce dependency on fossil fuels and lower energy import bills.

• Water as Strategic Leverage: Control over upstream water can serve as a diplomatic tool to check Pakistani hostility.

• Boost to Local Economies: Large infrastructure projects are expected to spur job creation and economic activity in Jammu & Kashmir.

For Pakistan:

• Water Security Concerns: Reduced downstream water availability could severely affect agriculture in Punjab and Sindh.

• International Diplomacy Push: Pakistan has ramped up its outreach to global stakeholders, framing India’s move as a violation of international norms.

International Reactions:

• China: Cautiously watching the development due to its own water-sharing disputes with India.

• United States and EU: Urging diplomatic dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.

• World Bank: Reviewing its mediating role under the now-defunct IWT framework.

Environmental and Ecological Impacts

While these hydroelectric projects promise a greener energy future, they come with ecological trade-offs. Experts caution about:

• Loss of biodiversity in affected river basins

• Displacement of communities and the need for adequate rehabilitation policies

• Sedimentation and river health challenges downstream

To address these issues, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has promised that Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) will be conducted with full transparency and public participation. The government has also committed to investing in sustainable development practices, including fish ladders, forest cover restoration, and community-led water governance models.

Domestic Reactions and Public Sentiment

Across India, the announcement has largely been met with public support, especially from water-stressed states and nationalist groups. Social media has been abuzz with hashtags like #WaterForIndia, #HydropowerRevolution, and #NewIndiaHydroPolicy trending nationwide.

In Jammu & Kashmir, local leaders have cautiously welcomed the projects, hoping they will bring economic development and job opportunities. However, there are concerns regarding land acquisition, cultural heritage sites, and involuntary resettlement.

The government has assured that affected communities will be compensated generously, with job guarantees and livelihood training programs as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.

A Turning Point in Indo-Pak Relations

The end of the Indus Waters Treaty and the beginning of new hydro infrastructure projects mark a pivotal moment in Indo-Pak relations. Water, once considered a bridge of peace, has now become a strategic battleground.

Strategists argue that India's latest actions are part of a broader "hydro-diplomacy doctrine", where rivers are not just resources but instruments of geopolitical influence. While critics worry about increased militarization and conflict risk, others believe it could pressure Pakistan to return to the negotiation table on issues ranging from terrorism to trade.

India’s internal shift toward self-reliance in water management aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. With climate change, glacial melt, and urban water stress looming large, India’s focus on water security and renewable energy is both timely and necessary.

Conclusion: A New Water Order

India’s decision to exit the Indus Waters Treaty and launch two major hydro projects represents a tectonic shift in South Asia's water politics. It reflects India's growing assertiveness in defending its national interests, securing its resources, and leading the transition to sustainable energy.

While the road ahead will be fraught with challenges—diplomatic, technical, and ecological—this bold move opens new possibilities for regional water management, climate resilience, and energy independence.

In the coming months, the world will watch closely how India manages this transformation—not just as a regional power, but as a responsible steward of one of the most vital resources on Earth: water.

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