China’s Push to Complete Mohmand Dam as India Halts Indus Water Flow
Tensions between India and Pakistan over water sharing have intensified, especially after India recently announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) signed in 1960. This strategic move comes amid heightened diplomatic strains and persistent cross-border issues. In response, China has accelerated the construction of the Mohmand Dam in Pakistan, aiming to complete it on schedule by 2025.
The Indus Waters Treaty and Its Disruption
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, allocated water from six rivers between India and Pakistan. India was given control of the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej), while Pakistan received the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab). Despite wars and conflicts, the treaty remained intact for decades. However, citing national security concerns and Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism, India has taken steps to pause or re-evaluate the treaty, including reducing or halting the water flow to Pakistan.
This disruption has raised serious concerns in Pakistan, which heavily depends on the Indus river system for drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower generation.
What is the Mohmand Dam?
The Mohmand Dam is a major hydropower and irrigation project being constructed on the Swat River, a tributary of the Indus, located in the Mohmand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. Although initially proposed in 2001, the project faced long delays due to financial and administrative issues. It was finally inaugurated in 2019 under Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government.
Key features of the dam include:
- 800 megawatts (MW) of hydroelectric power generation
- Irrigation for 1.2 million acres of farmland
- Flood control and water storage capabilities
- A reservoir capacity of 1.293 million acre-feet
Once completed, the Mohmand Dam is expected to greatly reduce Pakistan’s water stress and provide much-needed electricity.
China’s Strategic Involvement
In the wake of India’s decision to suspend the Indus treaty, China has stepped in to assist Pakistan. Through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and other bilateral partnerships, China has deployed its state-run engineering firms and resources to expedite the construction of the dam. Reports indicate that China aims to help Pakistan offset the impact of reduced water flow from India by boosting its internal water storage infrastructure.
China’s support for Pakistan in this project is not merely economic but also geopolitical. By investing in such critical infrastructure, China deepens its strategic footprint in South Asia and strengthens its alliance with Pakistan against India’s regional influence.
Conclusion
The accelerating construction of the Mohmand Dam under China’s support marks a significant shift in South Asia’s water politics. As India asserts its rights over Indus waters and takes a firmer stand against Pakistan, the regional balance is evolving rapidly. The triangle of India-Pakistan-China is now entangled not just in border disputes but also in the strategic use of water resources, which are becoming a new front in geopolitical competition.
