The spectre of conflict over dwindling freshwater resources has intensified as border tensions escalate between nations reliant on transboundary aquifers. A new report from the International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre highlights that over 30 countries are now engaged in diplomatic disputes over shared underground water reserves, with several flashpoints nearing crisis point.
In East Africa, the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System, stretching across Sudan, Egypt, Chad, and Libya, has become a focal point. Egypt, facing severe water scarcity, has objected to Libya’s plans to expand extraction from the aquifer, citing historical usage rights. Meanwhile, in South Asia, India and Pakistan have clashed over the Indus Basin aquifer, with Pakistan accusing India of unilaterally drilling wells along the disputed Kashmir border. India denies the claims.
Analysts point to the lack of a comprehensive international legal framework for groundwater as a key driver of instability. Unlike surface water treaties, subsurface aquifers are often unregulated, enabling states to exploit reserves without oversight. The United Nations Water Convention, which covers transboundary waters, does not specifically address groundwater, a loophole that has been exploited in several regions.
The economic stakes are high. Agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater use, and aquifers are critical for irrigation in arid zones. In the Middle East, the Disi Aquifer shared by Jordan and Saudi Arabia is being depleted at an unsustainable rate. Jordan has appealed to the Saudi government to cap extraction, but diplomatic efforts have been slow.
Environmental consequences are compounding the issues. Over-extraction leads to land subsidence and saltwater intrusion, rendering aquifers unusable. In coastal regions, this threatens both drinking supplies and ecosystems. The World Bank estimates that by 2050, water scarcity could cost some regions up to 6% of GDP.
Military analysts warn that without urgent multilateral negotiations, water disputes could escalate into armed conflict. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute has tracked a 20% increase in water-related rhetoric among defence ministries since 2020. However, cooperation remains possible. The Guarani Aquifer in South America, shared by Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, is governed by a robust treaty that includes monitoring and joint management. This model could serve as a blueprint for other regions.
International bodies are now pressing for a groundwater-specific protocol under the UN Water Convention. The European Union has offered to mediate talks in the Horn of Africa, while the World Bank has proposed a funding mechanism for aquifer conservation. But these initiatives face resistance from states that view water as a sovereign resource.
The coming months will be critical. With climate change exacerbating droughts, the pressure on aquifers will only increase. Diplomacy, not drill bits, must be the tool of choice to secure this invisible but vital resource.
