India has officially suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan—a landmark water-sharing agreement that has stood since 1960. The decision came just a day after 26 people, including tourists, were killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, finalized the move during a high-level meeting convened hours after his return from Saudi Arabia.
This is one of five major actions taken by India in response to the latest act of cross-border terrorism allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan-backed groups.
What Is the Indus Waters Treaty?
Signed in 1960 with the World Bank as a guarantor, the Indus Waters Treaty governs water sharing from six rivers:
- Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej (allocated to India)
- Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab (allocated to Pakistan)
Despite multiple wars and political tensions, the Treaty has withstood the test of time—until now.
Why Has India Suspended the Treaty Now?
The government cited “fundamental changes in circumstances,” invoking Article 62 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which allows a treaty to be suspended or terminated if the situation at the time of signing has drastically changed.
According to Pradeep Kumar Saxena, former Indus Water Commissioner:
“This could be the first step toward full abrogation. India, as the upper riparian, holds a strategic advantage.”
The suspension effectively lifts constraints on:
- Reservoir flushing and operation of dams in Jammu & Kashmir
- Construction of new hydropower projects without Pakistani consultation
- Storage limits on Western rivers
Immediate and Long-Term Impacts on Pakistan
Pakistan, as the lower riparian, relies heavily on Western rivers for irrigation and agriculture, especially in Punjab province. The following impacts are anticipated:
- Reduced water availability during sowing seasons
- No flood data sharing from India during monsoons, increasing flood risk
- Increased reservoir storage and project approvals by India without Pakistani input
- Cessation of bilateral inspections and tours mandated under the treaty
Past objections by Pakistan to projects like Kishanganga, Baglihar, and Ratle may now hold no diplomatic weight.
India’s Broader Response Beyond the Treaty
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is just one part of India’s five-pronged response:
- Treaty held in abeyance until Pakistan demonstrates a credible shift in its anti-terror policy.
- Attari Border Check Post closed to Pakistani nationals (effective till May 1).
- SAARC Visa Exemptions cancelled; Pakistanis given 48 hours to exit if in India under SVES.
- Military attachés expelled from both high commissions in New Delhi and Islamabad.
- Diplomatic staff downsized from 55 to 30 in both countries.
A New Diplomatic Phase or Escalation?
This marks the first time India has taken direct action against Pakistan by targeting the lifeline of its agriculture economy—water. While the move stops short of full treaty abrogation, it signals a willingness to upend long-standing diplomatic norms.
As India asserts its upper riparian rights, the question remains: will this action force a policy change in Pakistan—or lead to further hostilities?