India opens Chenab River dam gate, easing tensions with Pakistan

India has opened one of the sluice gates of a dam on the Chenab River near its border with Pakistan, marking a significant development in regional relations.

This action comes amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

As a result, water from the river, which had previously been restricted, has begun to flow partially into Pakistani territory. India has suspended the flow of water through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, which runs along its border with Pakistan. 

This decision comes amid growing tensions between the two countries and concerns about the management of shared water resources. In addition to the suspension at the Baglihar Dam, media reports indicate that India is considering similar measures at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on May 6, announced that water from Indian rivers would no longer flow across the border, emphasising that the water would henceforth serve only India's interests. 

This development is seen in the context of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the distribution of water resources between India and Pakistan. Under the treaty, Pakistan has control over the Indus River and its tributaries, including the Chenab and Jhelum. However, India has the right to utilize the water from these rivers for irrigation and domestic use in areas close to the border. India, in turn, retains full control over the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers.

By Naila Huseynova