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🇮🇳  Indus Waters Treaty Suspended: A Historic Shift in India-Pakistan Relations

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the support of the World Bank, has been hailed as one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in the world. For over six decades, the treaty survived wars, conflicts, and border tensions. But in 2025, following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, India decided to suspend the treaty—a move that marks a major shift in its geopolitical posture.

📜 Background of the Treaty

The IWT divides the rivers of the Indus basin between the two nations. Under the agreement:

India controls the Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.

Pakistan controls the Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, although India is permitted limited use for irrigation and hydroelectric projects.

This structure ensured both countries could use the waters essential for their agriculture and economy while preventing conflict over water resources.

💣 What Triggered the Suspension?

On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 Indian civilians. The Indian government accused Pakistan-based groups of being responsible. In response, India declared that the Indus Waters Treaty would be put in abeyance—a diplomatic way of saying the treaty was suspended.

The government cited national security concerns and stated that water sharing could not continue while terrorism against Indian citizens remained unchecked. This is the first time India has taken such a bold step regarding the treaty.

🧭 India’s Stand

On June 21, 2025, Home Minister Amit Shah announced that India had permanently suspended the treaty. He further stated that the government would construct new canals to divert water from rivers flowing into Pakistan and use it to benefit Indian states like Rajasthan and Punjab.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs also clarified that the decision was aligned with the “new doctrine of zero-tolerance to terrorism,” emphasizing that any future cooperation with Pakistan would depend entirely on its action against terror outfits operating from its soil.

🌾 Impact on Pakistan

Pakistan heavily depends on the waters of the Indus Basin for irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower. Around 80% of Pakistan’s agricultural land is irrigated by the Indus system. The sudden halt of river flows, especially from the Chenab and Jhelum, could lead to:

Water shortages during the crucial Kharif crop season.

Reservoir depletion, with reports already indicating dangerously low water levels.

Economic strain on farmers and rural communities.

Pakistani officials have termed India’s action a potential “act of war” and have approached international forums for mediation. However, India maintains that terrorism must be addressed first before any negotiations on water.

⚖️ Legal and Diplomatic Angle

The IWT does not have a provision for unilateral withdrawal. However, India argues that continued support for terrorism by Pakistan violates the spirit of the treaty. While the World Bank helped broker the original deal, it has so far refrained from intervening in the current crisis.

Many international experts fear that this development may escalate into a “water war”—a conflict where water resources become the primary cause of confrontation.

🔍 What Lies Ahead?

This situation has created a new diplomatic deadlock. If Pakistan does not take concrete actions to stop terror groups, India is unlikely to reverse its stance. Meanwhile, the water crisis in Pakistan may worsen, especially in arid regions like Sindh and Balochistan.

This historic shift may also influence other transboundary water treaties globally, showing that even decades-old agreements are vulnerable to geopolitical tensions.

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Conclusion

The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty marks a turning point in South Asia’s geopolitics. It represents India’s firm stance against terrorism but also highlights the fragile nature of water diplomacy. Whether this leads to meaningful reform or dangerous escalation will depend on the choices made by both nations in the coming months.

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