What are the three linked bargains forming the core of the treaty?

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The Indus Waters Treaty is underpinned by three interconnected bargains.

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is structured around three fundamental bargains that address the complexities arising from the Partition of India and subsequent water-sharing arrangements. These bargains were designed to create a stable and predictable framework for managing the waters of the Indus river system, thereby mitigating potential conflicts and ensuring the agricultural sustenance of both nations.
The Peace Bargain

The first core component is the Peace Bargain, which transformed the inherent risk of upstream control over water resources being used coercively into a legally binding framework. This bargain was crucial in addressing the post-Partition anxieties, particularly Pakistan's vulnerability as a downstream nation reliant on water flows originating in India. By establishing a legal structure, the Treaty aimed to replace unilateral discretion with established obligations, fostering a sense of certainty and security for Pakistan's vital agricultural sector.
The Treaty Bargain

The second integral element is the Treaty Bargain, which demarcated the six main rivers of the Indus system. Under this arrangement, the Eastern Rivers—the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—were allocated to India, while the Western Rivers—the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—were predominantly assigned to Pakistan. This river-wise division was subject to specific exceptions and provisions outlined within the Treaty, ensuring that neither country's essential water needs were compromised by the allocation.
The Western Rivers Run-of-River Hydro Bargain

Finally, the third bargain addresses the specific uses of the Western Rivers, particularly India's permitted activities like hydro-electric generation. This Western Rivers Run-of-River Hydro Bargain allowed India to undertake such projects but imposed tight constraints through Article III and its associated Annexures C, D, and E. These provisions were meticulously designed to safeguard Pakistan's downstream water access, ensuring that India's development of these rivers, especially for power generation, did not interfere with the agreed-upon flow rates and volumes essential for Pakistan's irrigation and water security.

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What are the three linked bargains forming the core of the treaty?

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