Indo-Pak Hydro-Conundrum under the Red Dragon’s Shadow

Abstract

The research article "Indo-Pak Hydro-Conundrum Under the Red Dragon's Shadow" by Anurag Jyoti and Raj Kamal Kapur examines the intricate hydro-political dynamics in South Asia, focusing on the pivotal role of China as an upper riparian state controlling the Tibetan plateau’s water resources. It highlights how China's adherence to the doctrine of absolute territorial sovereignty, refusal to engage in multilateral water-sharing agreements, and extensive dam-building activities amplify its hydro-hegemony, significantly impacting downstream nations like India and Pakistan. The article delves into the exacerbating water stress in Pakistan, driven by its dependence on the Indus river system and inadequate infrastructure, juxtaposed against India’s underutilized potential under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). It underscores the strategic implications of China’s involvement in Pakistan’s hydropower projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which not only strengthens Pakistan’s water security but also poses a collusive threat to India by enhancing China’s geopolitical leverage in the region. To counter this hydro-conundrum, the authors propose a multi-pronged approach for India, including maximizing the use of its allocated water resources under the IWT, constructing storage and hydropower infrastructure to assert its rights, and fostering regional hydro-cooperation with co-riparians to mitigate China’s dominance. The article also suggests domestic reforms such as improving water use efficiency, rethinking agricultural practices, and reducing virtual water exports to bolster India’s resilience against potential water weaponization by China and Pakistan. It concludes that India must urgently address these challenges through strategic infrastructure development and diplomatic initiatives to safeguard its water security and counter the Sino-Pakistani nexus, given the stark economic and military disparities with China.