Indus Waters Treaty: In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan has officially urged India to reconsider its recent decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) — a landmark water-sharing accord brokered by the World Bank in 1960. The appeal comes amid growing water scarcity in Pakistan, especially ahead of the critical sowing season, further intensifying tensions between the two South Asian neighbors.
The Indus Waters Treaty has been the cornerstone of water cooperation between India and Pakistan for over six decades, dividing the six rivers of the Indus River system. Under the treaty, India retained control of the eastern rivers — Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi — while Pakistan was allocated the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
However, in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir — which left 26 civilians, mostly tourists, dead — India took the unprecedented step of suspending the treaty. The Indian government, citing national security and Pakistan’s ongoing support for cross-border terrorism, invoked its right to review the treaty under the “change of circumstances” clause.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Plea
Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources, led by Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza, has written a formal letter to India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti, urging New Delhi to restore the treaty and resume the regulated flow of the Indus waters into Pakistani territory. The letter warned that continued suspension could trigger a humanitarian and agricultural crisis in Pakistan, affecting millions who depend on these waters.
While Pakistan characterized India’s decision as “unilateral and illegal,” Indian officials have dismissed the accusations, reaffirming that terrorism and diplomacy cannot go hand-in-hand. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had unanimously approved the suspension — the first of its kind since the treaty’s inception.
India’s Firm Stance: No Water to Terrorism
In a powerful address following Operation Sindoor, a swift counter-terror military campaign post-Pahalgam, PM Modi declared, “Blood and water cannot flow together.” He emphasized that India will no longer compromise its national security for the sake of outdated diplomatic formalities, especially when Pakistan continues to harbor and support terrorist networks.
India has now implemented a three-tier strategy to ensure no water from the Indus River system leaves its territory unutilized. Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil confirmed that India is prioritizing the completion of previously stalled hydroelectric and irrigation projects on the western rivers.
Impact on Pakistan’s Agriculture
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has already begun to affect Pakistan’s water availability. In recent days, India undertook flushing and desilting operations at the Baglihar and Salal hydropower projects on the Chenab River, resulting in irregular downstream water flow. With no treaty obligations in place, India is under no requirement to inform Pakistan of such activities.
This unpredictability in water flow is a serious concern for Pakistan’s farmers, who are now facing disruptions ahead of the Kharif sowing season. Experts warn that without access to consistent water supply — previously ensured under the Indus Waters Treaty — agricultural output could plummet, further straining Pakistan’s economy.
Treaty Under Review: Climate, Security, and Strategy
Indian officials argue that the Indus Waters Treaty, while historic, no longer serves the current geopolitical or climatic realities. With changing river patterns, increased water demands, and persistent threats from across the border, there is growing consensus in India that the Indus Waters Treaty needs to be re-evaluated.
“The treaty was sustained out of goodwill, even though it was heavily tilted in Pakistan’s favor,” noted a senior Indian official. “But Pakistan’s continued use of terrorism as a tool against India has nullified the goodwill that underpinned this treaty.”
India’s future actions are expected to be strategic and measured. A high-level meeting involving Home Minister Amit Shah, Water Resources Minister Paatil, and other key cabinet members is slated this week to finalize the long-term roadmap for Indus water management.
