India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a long-standing agreement that has governed the sharing of river waters between the two nations. This move comes in the wake of a deadly terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily tourists.
The attack has been attributed to The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, and has led to widespread condemnation and retaliatory actions from both countries. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty marks a dramatic shift in bilateral relations. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, allocates the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. Under the agreement, India controls the waters of the eastern rivers—Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej—while Pakistan has control over the western rivers—Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum. The suspension of the treaty grants India greater autonomy over water resources, including the ability to regulate the flow of water through key infrastructure such as the Baglihar and Kishanganga dams.
The immediate impact of this suspension is most acutely felt in Pakistan, where agriculture is heavily dependent on the waters of the Indus Basin. Approximately 80% of Pakistan’s agricultural requirements are met through this river system. A disruption in water supply could lead to crop failures, food insecurity, and significant economic losses, as agriculture accounts for about 20% of Pakistan’s GDP and provides employment to around 40% of the population. In addition to the suspension of the water treaty, India has implemented a series of punitive measures in response to the Pahalgam attack. These include banning all imports from Pakistan, prohibiting Pakistan-flagged ships from entering Indian ports, and suspending the exchange of all categories of mail and parcels. The Attari-Wagah border, the only road crossing between the two countries open to passengers, has also been closed. Diplomatic ties have been further strained with the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats and the withdrawal of Indian military advisors from Islamabad.
Pakistan has vehemently condemned India’s actions, describing the suspension of the water treaty as an “act of war.” In retaliation, Pakistan has suspended the 1972 Shimla Agreement, closed its airspace to Indian airlines, and halted all trade with India. Diplomatic staff exchanges have been curtailed, and border skirmishes have been reported along the Line of Control. The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty not only threatens regional stability but also raises questions about the future of transboundary water agreements in an era of climate change and increasing water scarcity.
As both nations stand at a precipice, the path forward remains uncertain. The need for dialogue and diplomatic engagement has never been more critical to prevent further escalation and to ensure the equitable and sustainable management of shared water resources.
