1960 Indus Water Treaty : Significance in India-Pakistan Bilateral Relationship

The Indus Water Treaty defines the water-sharing arrangement for six rivers of the Indus basin that flow through both India and Pakistan. The treaty had been instrumental for building confidence between the two countries for the past 56 years.

However, the recent terror attacks in Uri has initiated a debate on revoking this treaty by India. According to the Article 64 of 'Vienna Convention' a country has the sovereign rights to withdraw from a treaty.

Let us attempt few questions on this topic :

1) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to 1960 Indus Water Treaty?

a) The treaty was signed in Karachi by Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and President of Pakistan Ayub Khan.
b) Under this treaty, control over the three "eastern" rivers - the Beas, Ravi and Sutlej was given to India and the three "western" rivers- the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum was given to Pakistan. 
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

2) Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to the rights conferred under the treaty to both the countries for the usage of river waters of the Indus basin?

a) India has full rights over the waters of the eastern rivers - the Beas, Ravi and Sutlej.
b) Unrestricted rights on the western rivers flow-  the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum, has been given to Pakistan.
c) India can use waters of western rivers for "non-consumptive" purpose - irrigation, storage and hydro power production.
d) None of the above.

3) What is the significance of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty in maintaining bilateral relationship between the two countries?

a) Regular meeting of Indus Commissioner of both the countries facilitate exchange of information and settlement of minor disputes.
b) Honoring water sharing arrangements under the treaty build trust with other countries as well.
c) The treaty help in stabilizing the Jammu and Kashmir issue as far as sharing of river waters is concerned.
d) All of the above

4) Consider the following statements:

i) Right to non-consumptive use.
ii) Rights of drainage issues and river conservation aspects.
iii) Mandatory prevention of pollution of the rivers.

Which of the above statements is/are the 'limits' in using the 1960 Indus Water Treaty - for both the countries?

a) i , ii and ii
b) i and ii only
c) i and iii only
d) i only

Answers

1) b, The treaty was signed in Karachi by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President of Pakistan Ayub Khan.
2) d
3) d, A Permanent Indus Commission was established to implement the Treaty.
4) a