HYDRO POLITICS OF THE SUTLEJ RIVER: CHALLENGES TO WATER SECURITY AND REGIONAL COOPERATION IN SOUTH ASIA

Abstract

The Sutlej River, a major tributary of the Indus River system, holds significant strategic, economic, and environmental importance for South Asia. Flowing through China (Tibet), India, and Pakistan, the river serves as a vital source of irrigation, hydropower generation, and freshwater supply for millions of people. However, increasing water scarcity, climate change, rapid population growth, and expanding infrastructural developments have intensified the hydro political challenges associated with its management. Although the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) has long been regarded as one of the world's most successful transboundary water-sharing agreements, emerging environmental and geopolitical realities have exposed limitations in its capacity to address contemporary water security concerns. This study explores hydro politics of Sutlej River by looking at the connection between transboundary water governance and regional cooperation in South Asia. The study employs a qualitative case study method, relying on secondary sources, such as official documents on the treaty, government publications, academic literature, and documents by other organizations internationally. Thematic analysis serves to determine the viability of the current governance mechanisms, key environmental and political obstacles of the collaborative water management of India and Pakistan, and the prospects of enhancing the same. The results indicate that despite the fact that the Indus Waters Treaty has helped in avoiding large-scale interstate water wars, the treaty needs institutional adjustment to adapt efficiently to changing climatic circumstances, rising water demands, environmental degradation, and the shifting security landscape in the regions. The study postulates that better water diplomacy, openness in data sharing, integrated river basin management and strong regional institutions are critical to encouraging sustainable water management. Demonstrating the Sutlej River as a resource of strategic significance and a possible site of collaboration, the study will be a part of the further discussion on transboundary water governance and will provide policy initiation to promote regional stability, ecological and long-term water security in South Asia.