ISLAMABAD: A proposal by a prominent Chinese policy expert suggesting that China should become part of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has reignited discussions about the future of regional water cooperation and cross-border water management in South Asia.
Speaking at a seminar in Islamabad, Victor Gao, President of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), described the Indus Waters Treaty as one of the world’s most successful water-sharing agreements and a cornerstone of regional stability and international law. He emphasized that the treaty should be respected under all circumstances and proposed expanding it into a trilateral framework involving China alongside Pakistan and India.
Gao argued that water security has become an increasingly important strategic issue across Asia, particularly as climate change, population growth, and rising demand place greater pressure on shared river systems. He stressed that uninterrupted access to water is essential for regional peace and sustainable development.
Referring to previous remarks regarding regional water resources, Gao said that restricting water supplies to neighboring countries would violate humanitarian principles and international norms. He maintained that access to water should never be used as a political or strategic tool against civilian populations.
Highlighting the significance of the Indus River system, Gao noted that several major Asian rivers originate from the Tibetan Plateau, making cross-border water cooperation an issue that extends beyond Pakistan and India. He suggested that stronger regional coordination could help prevent future disputes and improve long-term water management.
The Chinese scholar also proposed creating an international code of conduct for managing shared water resources, with support from the United Nations and other global institutions. According to him, greater international cooperation would strengthen confidence among neighboring countries and promote peaceful resolution of water-related issues.
The proposal has generated renewed debate among policy experts and regional analysts about whether a broader framework could reshape the future of water diplomacy in South Asia. While no official proposal has been announced by the governments involved, the discussion has highlighted the growing importance of regional cooperation in addressing future water security challenges.
