Workshop Abstract-Shasita Tabasum

ABSTRACT

ROLE OF CBMS IN RESOLVING NON-MILITARY ISSUES BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN: CASE STUDY OF THE INDUS BASIN WATER TREATY

SHAISTA TABASSUM*

Confidence Building Measures are considered as important actors in resolving various non-military issues in the world. These measures had played a vital role in Europe. Some disputes in the South Asian politics have also been amicably settled by the CBMs. One major example is that of the Indus Basin Water Treaty concluded between Pakistan and India in 1960. The treaty distributed the Canal waters between India and Pakistan. That is why it is considered as a successful example of CBMs.

The treaty is although smoothly working but two further disputes had erupted coming out from the settlement made in 1960. India decided to construct the Salal Dam on river Chenab in 1970. On Pakistan's objection the two states agreed to sit on the table and negotiated on controversial areas. Finally an agreement was reached in 1978 known as the Salal Dam agreement.

Another area of controversy is the Wullar Barrage or the Tulbal Navigation Project. The construction on the project began in 1985. On Pakistan's objection the many rounds of talks were held but could not resolve that issue. Since then it continues to pose a serious challenge to the Indus Basin Water Treaty.

This paper is divided into following parts:-

Introduction

Concept of CBMs

The Problem

Applicability of the concept

The treaty

Common interests in avoiding conflict

Hurdles in CAMs

Challenges to the treaty setup