NEW DELHI: In a bold diplomatic move following the deadly terror attack in PAHALGAM that left 26 civilians dead, India has announced the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, a landmark agreement that has survived wars and decades of hostility with Pakistan.
The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, governs the sharing of six rivers flowing through both India and Pakistan. The treaty gave control of the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan. Despite several conflicts, including full-scale wars, the treaty has remained intact — until now.
India’s latest decision comes as part of a larger diplomatic retaliation following the PAHALGAM attack, where terrorists opened fire on tourists in the scenic Baisaran meadow. India blames Pakistan-based terror groups and has accused Islamabad of providing safe havens to these organisations.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, after a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, declared that India will suspend the Indus Water Treaty until Pakistan takes credible action against cross-border terrorism. This marks the first time India has openly used water as a strategic tool against Pakistan.
This suspension could seriously affect Pakistan, which relies heavily on the Indus basin for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectricity. Experts warn that blocking or reducing water flow could deepen the crisis between the two nations and escalate tensions in South Asia.
The move also follows a series of downgrades — from expelling defence personnel to suspending visas and closing the last remaining land crossing between the countries.
By targeting the Indus Treaty, India is signalling that even long-standing diplomatic agreements are not off-limits if terrorism continues.
