In a growing sign of regional strain, Pakistan has officially called on India to reconsider its recent decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) — a decades-old water-sharing agreement that has long been seen as a rare symbol of cooperation between the two often-hostile neighbors.
The call comes in the wake of heightened tensions following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which left over two dozen civilians dead. India has blamed the assault on Pakistan-based militants, a charge Islamabad denies. In response, India announced it would halt its adherence to the IWT and move forward with infrastructure projects that could divert water from rivers currently designated for Pakistan under the treaty.
A Lifeline Under Threat
Signed in 1960 with the help of the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty governs how the waters of six rivers are shared between India and Pakistan. Under the agreement, India controls the eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej), while Pakistan has rights over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). Despite wars and diplomatic standoffs, the treaty has endured — until now.
Pakistan, whose agricultural sector depends heavily on the Indus River system, has expressed deep concern over India’s move. Officials in Islamabad say any unilateral action could seriously impact water availability for millions of Pakistanis. “This is not just a political issue — it’s a humanitarian one,” a spokesperson from Pakistan’s Foreign Office remarked, urging India to uphold the principles of cooperation and mutual benefit.
India’s New Approach
Indian officials have defended the decision, citing national security concerns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly fast-tracked projects that would increase India’s control over rivers like the Chenab and Jhelum, including expansions of canals and dams. These projects could significantly reduce the flow of water into Pakistan.
While India maintains that these developments fall within the treaty’s technical limits, the suspension signals a major policy shift — turning water into a potential tool of political pressure.
What’s at Stake
For Pakistan, the implications are enormous. Beyond the immediate concerns of water shortages and disrupted irrigation, the country fears long-term economic and ecological fallout. Legal experts in Pakistan have hinted at the possibility of taking the matter to international arbitration, arguing that the treaty cannot be unilaterally suspended under international law.
Meanwhile, water security analysts warn that if the treaty collapses, it could open the door to an even more volatile relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. “Weaponizing water sets a dangerous precedent,” said one analyst. “It could lead to a ripple effect across other contentious borders in the region.”
Hope for Diplomacy
Despite the sharp rhetoric and hardline actions, there is still room for dialogue. Global observers and mediation bodies, including the World Bank, are closely monitoring the situation and may play a role in de-escalation.
For now, the people most affected remain in the crosshairs of a political tug-of-war. Farmers in Pakistan anxiously await water for their fields. Indian citizens, still reeling from the recent violence, demand justice. And somewhere in between lies a treaty that once offered hope — and may yet again, if diplomacy can prevail over division.
