China enters Indus Water Treaty war, makes big plan to help Pakistan, not good news for India due to…

Amid the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan over the Indus Water Treaty, China has extended an olive branch to Islamabad. India put into “abeyance” its participation in the 1960 treaty, which governs the usage of the Indus river system, after 26 civilians in Indian Kashmir were killed in what Delhi described as an act of terror. The treaty had guaranteed water access for 80% of Pakistan’s farms through three rivers originating in India.

Did Pakistan plead before China?

Amid the ongoing tussle over the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan has turned to China for diplomatic and strategic support. In response to India’s suspension of the treaty, China and Pakistan have accelerated the construction of a major dam project that will provide water and electricity to parts of Pakistan, reports The Conversation.

Why is China getting involved in this?

It says that Beijing’s involvement raises concerns. Beijing has long wanted to increase its influence in the region and compete with India. There is concern in New Delhi that Beijing can obstruct the flow of rivers flowing from its territory to India. In such a situation, any interference by Beijing on the Indus Water Treaty threatens to increase regional tensions.

How has China came forward to help Pakistan?

China also sees itself as a stakeholder in the Indus Water Treaty. The Chinese media has described India as aggressive in this dispute and warned of the danger of using ‘water as a weapon’. It has also pointed out that the Indus River originates in China’s western Tibet region. This is a kind of threat. Meanwhile, China announced that it will expedite the Mohmand Hydro Project on a tributary of the Indus in Pakistan.

 

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