India-Pakistan Riparian Relations: Beyond the Conflict/Cooperation Dichotomy

Author(s) : Ms. Obja Borah Hazarika, Ms. Simi Mehta

Abstract:

Riparian relations are emerging as one of the most difficult aspects of inter-state relations in the 21st century. The Indian sub-continent is also emerging as a flashpoint for water-related issues between nations. Due to the reluctance of the nations of South Asia to incorporate the Espoo (EIA) Convention that sets out the obligations of Parties to assess the environmental impact of projects completed or initiated, there is possibility of freshwater related issue spiralling into serious inter-state contention. In this context, this article is an attempt to take stock of the direction of riparian relations between India and Pakistan, to comprehend the nature of water issues between these two states which share the Indus River Water system, with an intention to examine whether the conflict-cooperation dichotomy of the inter-state water debate adequately explains the riparian relations of these two nations.