India and Pakistan, two neighboring nations with a shared history and complex relationship, have entered into several treaties and agreements since their independence in 1947. These treaties aim to address various issues, including territorial disputes, water sharing, nuclear non-aggression, and minority rights. Among these, the Indus Waters Treaty holds particular significance due to its impact on the water resources of both countries.
Major Treaties Between India and Pakistan
1. Liaquat–Nehru Pact (1950)
Signed on April 8, 1950, by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, the Liaquat–Nehru Pact aimed to protect the rights of minorities in both countries following the partition. The agreement allowed refugees to return to dispose of their property, ensured the return of abducted women and looted property, and confirmed minority rights. It also introduced a visa system for refugees and restricted free passage across the border.
2. Karachi Agreement (1949)
The Karachi Agreement, signed on July 27, 1949, established a cease-fire line in the state of Jammu and Kashmir following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. This agreement was supervised by the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) and laid the groundwork for the Line of Control (LoC) that exists today.
3. Simla Agreement (1972)
In the aftermath of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, the Simla Agreement was signed on July 2, 1972, by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The treaty aimed to establish peaceful relations and resolve issues through bilateral negotiations. It converted the cease-fire line into the Line of Control (LoC) and emphasized respect for each other's territorial integrity.
4. Delhi Agreement (1973)
The Delhi Agreement, signed on August 28, 1973, was a trilateral agreement between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It facilitated the repatriation of prisoners of war and interned officials held in the three countries after the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The agreement also addressed issues related to the transfer of populations and the treatment of minorities.
5. Non-Nuclear Aggression Agreement (1988)
On December 21, 1988, India and Pakistan signed the Non-Nuclear Aggression Agreement, pledging not to attack each other's nuclear installations and facilities. The treaty, which came into effect on January 1, 1991, serves as a confidence-building measure and includes the annual exchange of lists of nuclear facilities between the two countries.
6. Kartarpur Corridor Agreement (2019)
The Kartarpur Corridor Agreement, signed in 2019, established a visa-free corridor for Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan. The corridor, inaugurated on November 9, 2019, allows up to 5,000 Indian pilgrims to visit the holy site daily without a visa, fostering people-to-people contact and religious tourism.
The Indus Waters Treaty: A Dedicated Focus
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed on September 19, 1960, by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Mohammad Ayub Khan, with the World Bank as a signatory, is a landmark agreement governing the use of the Indus River system's waters.
Key Provisions
Water Allocation: The treaty allocated the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan for unrestricted use, while India received the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
Permanent Indus Commission: Established to facilitate cooperation and information exchange between the two countries, the commission serves as a platform for resolving disputes and ensuring the treaty's implementation.
Infrastructure Development: The treaty provided for the construction of dams, canals, and storage facilities to manage water distribution effectively, with financial assistance from the World Bank and other international donors.
Recent Developments
In April 2025, following a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, citing security concerns. Subsequently, India accelerated the construction of hydropower projects on the Chenab River, which is predominantly allocated to Pakistan under the treaty. Pakistan expressed alarm over reduced water flow, warning that any interference threatens vital agricultural and power needs.
The suspension of the treaty has escalated tensions between the two nations, with Pakistan considering legal action and viewing any disruption to water flow as an act of war.
Conclusion
The treaties between India and Pakistan reflect ongoing efforts to manage complex bilateral issues through dialogue and cooperation. While agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty have withstood the test of time, recent developments underscore the fragility of such arrangements amidst geopolitical tensions. Continued engagement and adherence to these treaties are crucial for regional stability and the well-being of the populations dependent on shared resources.
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