India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty After Terrorist Attack in Pahalgam

Islamabad: April 23, 2025 – India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 21, 2025. India has accused Pakistan of supporting terrorism and has stated that the suspension will remain in place until Pakistan takes decisive action against terrorist hideouts.
What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a historic agreement signed between Pakistan and India in 1960 to regulate the sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries’ waters. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, aimed to resolve water distribution issues between the two countries and ensure peace in the region over water resources.
The treaty was signed on September 19, 1960, in Karachi by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan.
Key Provisions of the Treaty:
Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): India was granted control over the water of these rivers.
Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): Pakistan was given control over the water of these rivers.
India was allowed limited use of the Western rivers for specific purposes such as electricity generation and irrigation but was prohibited from obstructing the flow of these rivers.
Any disputes over water usage would be resolved through international arbitration.
Historical Context:
The treaty has survived through three major wars, the Kargil conflict, and numerous border skirmishes, illustrating its importance in maintaining peace despite ongoing tensions between the two countries.
India’s Suspension of the Treaty:
This is the first time that India has announced the complete suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Indian Foreign Minister Vikram Misri stated that the suspension was a response to Pakistan’s alleged involvement in cross-border terrorism. He emphasized that the treaty would remain suspended until Pakistan takes meaningful steps to dismantle terrorist infrastructure.
Previously, after the 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama incident, India had ramped up water-related projects as a form of pressure but had not fully suspended the treaty until now.
Impact on Pakistan:
Pakistan’s agricultural economy relies heavily on water from the Indus River, with about 80% of its irrigation system dependent on the water supply from the river. The suspension of the treaty could disrupt not only the agricultural sector but also hydroelectric power generation, water reserves, and drinking water supplies.
If India reduces or halts the flow of water in the Western rivers, it could lead to severe drought conditions in Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan, exacerbating food and water security concerns.
Legal and Diplomatic Implications:
The Indus Waters Treaty is a binding international agreement, and India’s unilateral suspension could be considered a violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, and conventions on water disputes. Pakistan has condemned the move, calling it dangerous and irresponsible, and has appealed to the United Nations, the World Bank, and friendly countries for immediate intervention.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
The suspension of the treaty poses not only a severe environmental, agricultural, and economic threat to Pakistan but also risks destabilizing peace in South Asia. Both countries need to move away from political point-scoring and return to negotiations and third-party mediation. Pakistan should intensify its diplomatic efforts, presenting solid evidence on international platforms, while India must re-engage in serious dialogue focused on human and water rights.