India Suspends Historic Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan

In a dramatic and unprecedented move, India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, a landmark agreement that has governed water sharing between the two nations for 65 years. Brokered by the World Bank in 1960, the treaty has survived multiple wars and diplomatic crises — until now.

Key Facts About the Indus Water Treaty

• Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, with the World Bank as guarantor.
  

• Covers the six rivers of the Indus basin:
  

• Western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): allocated to Pakistan
  

• Eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): allocated to India
  

• Allowed India limited use of western rivers for:
  

• Hydropower
  

• Agriculture
  

• Non-consumptive purposes
  

The treaty has long been considered one of the most successful international water-sharing agreements.

Why India Suspended the Treaty

India cites “repeated misuse and non-cooperation” by Pakistan as the main reason for suspension. Key factors include:

• Pakistan’s objections to Indian hydropower projects in Jammu & Kashmir
  

• Dozens of disputes lodged by Pakistan that stalled Indian infrastructure projects
  

• India accusing Pakistan of weaponizing water diplomacy
  

An Indian official stated,

“A treaty meant for cooperation is being used for confrontation.”

Pakistan’s Response

Pakistan has strongly condemned India’s move:

• Termed it a “breach of international obligation”
  

• Notified the World Bank of India’s withdrawal
  

• Plans to raise the issue at the United Nations and International Court of Justice
  

• Warned of potential water insecurity, particularly affecting agriculture in Punjab
  

Potential Implications

• India may now alter flows of eastern rivers to increase hydropower or irrigation capacity.
  

• Could limit water flow to Pakistan during lean seasons, affecting agriculture and food security.
  

• Increased risk of flooding or droughts due to uncoordinated water management.
  

• Retaliatory measures from Pakistan could escalate regional tensions.
  

Historical Context

The IWT has survived:

• The 1965 and 1971 wars
  

• The 1999 Kargil conflict
  It has been a symbol of peaceful cooperation, making this suspension a historic and risky development in South Asian geopolitics.
  

Expert Warnings

• Water insecurity in Pakistan may worsen, impacting millions of livelihoods.
  

• South Asia, already facing water stress, could experience heightened regional instability.
  

• Calls for bilateral dialogue and peaceful resolution have been emphasized by international observers.
  

Conclusion

India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty marks a major turning point in regional water politics. While reflecting India’s strategic assertiveness, the move raises serious concerns about environmental stability, water security, and peace in South Asia.