Archive · 21 Jul 2026
India Pushes for Chenab Projects, Treaty Renegotiation
India and Pakistan have a long-standing agreement called the Indus Waters Treaty about sharing river water.
After a terrorist attack, India paused the treaty and wants to renegotiate it.
India is also building big hydroelectric power plants on the Chenab River, which will provide clean energy and help the region.
Pakistan is not happy with India's plans and has been trying to get other countries to support its side.
India says it will only work with Pakistan if Pakistan stops supporting terrorism.
Both countries have different views on how to share the water and what the treaty should include.
India has put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold and seeks renegotiation, contingent on Pakistan halting cross-border terrorism.
India is accelerating the development of hydropower projects on the Chenab with a combined capacity of over 5,000 MW.
Key projects include Sawalkote (1,856 MW), Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Ratle (850 MW), Kiru (624 MW), and Kwar (540 MW).
Kiru and Pakal projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with others following in 2-3 years.
India aims to utilize its share of Indus waters efficiently and sustainably for clean energy and regional development.
- Who
- India and Pakistan
- What
- Renegotiation of the Indus Waters Treaty and development of hydropower projects on the Chenab
- When
- Since 2023, with projects expected to complete by 2024-2026
- Where
- Chenab River basin
- Why
- India seeks to utilize its legitimate share of Indus waters efficiently and sustainably, while Pakistan opposes due to perceived imbalance and terrorism concerns
India's Perspective
Pakistan's Perspective
Treaty Renegotiation
India's Perspective
India believes the Indus Waters Treaty has outlived its utility and needs renegotiation to be more balanced, contingent on Pakistan halting cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan's Perspective
Pakistan has not shown signs of ending cross-border terrorism, which India sees as a precondition for resuming cooperation under the treaty.
Hydropower Projects
India's Perspective
India is prioritizing the speedy completion of hydropower projects on the Chenab, which are critical for clean energy transition, grid stability, and regional development.
Pakistan's Perspective
Pakistan has been trying to mobilize global opinion in its favor, likely opposing India's plans for new hydropower projects.
- Treaty Status
- In abeyance since 2023
- Key Projects
- Sawalkote, Pakal Dul, Ratle, Kiru, Kwar
- Project Capacities
- Over 5,000 MW combined
- Completion Timeline
- Kiru and Pakal by end of 2024, others in 2-3 years
- India's Stance
- Seeks renegotiation, halting of terrorism
- Pakistan's Stance
- No signs of ending terrorism, mobilizing global opinion