On April 25, 2025, India formally notified Pakistan that it would suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, citing Pakistan’s violation of its terms amidst rising tensions and security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack. The decision to keep the treaty in abeyance came as a direct consequence of the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, most of whom were tourists. This attack was linked to cross-border terrorism, a continuing issue between India and Pakistan, and one which India believes directly affects its rights under the treaty.

Following the suspension announcement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil and other senior officials to discuss the next steps and long-term strategies regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. The focus of the meeting was on halting the water supply to Pakistan, a move that has significant implications for both countries as they share the Indus river system, which includes major rivers such as the Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Jhelum, and Chenab. These rivers are vital for agriculture and industry in both nations.

Amit Shah, in his discussions with the ministers, emphasized the importance of a structured approach to implement the strategy of suspending water supply while ensuring that India's actions were in line with international law and India’s obligations under the World Bank-brokered treaty. The ministers also explored both short-term and long-term strategies for dealing with the impact of the suspension, including how to manage the resources domestically and internationally.

India’s Water Resources Secretary, Debashree Mukherjee, also sent a formal letter to her Pakistani counterpart, Syed Ali Murtaza, explaining the decision. The letter cited sustained cross-border terrorism targeting Jammu and Kashmir as a significant reason for India’s inability to fully utilize its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty. It further emphasized that security uncertainties arising from the ongoing tensions had directly impacted India’s ability to manage the treaty effectively. The letter stressed that maintaining the treaty in its current form was no longer feasible under such circumstances.

The notification to Pakistan also addressed several changing factors that India believes necessitate a reassessment of the treaty. Among these were altered population demographics, the increasing need for clean energy development, and a broader geopolitical shift in the region. India has made it clear that the suspension is not just a response to immediate security concerns, but also a necessary step in light of evolving national priorities.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, has governed the distribution of the Indus river system, dividing the water between India and Pakistan. The treaty allocated the waters of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers to India (referred to as the eastern rivers), while Pakistan was given rights over the Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus rivers (the western rivers). Despite the treaty’s success in averting water disputes between the two countries for decades, recent tensions, particularly the Pahalgam terror attack, have prompted India to reconsider its position.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, the Indian government decided that the treaty was no longer serving its intended purpose in light of Pakistan’s violations, such as supporting cross-border terrorism. As a result, India has chosen to suspend the agreement indefinitely, impacting water supply to Pakistan in a significant way. The long-term implications of this suspension could alter the dynamics of water distribution in the Indus Basin, affecting both countries’ access to water for agricultural and industrial use.

The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has been a subject of intense discussion, not just in India and Pakistan but on the international stage as well. The World Bank, which brokered the treaty, may now face pressure to intervene or mediate further discussions to resolve the issue. India has made it clear, however, that any future negotiations will need to address the ongoing security concerns arising from cross-border terrorism and evolving geopolitical circumstances.

Conclusion

The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan. While the immediate concern is the Pahalgam terror attack, the suspension could have far-reaching consequences for both countries, particularly in terms of water security and access. As India moves forward with its decision to halt water supply to Pakistan, the international community will likely keep a close watch on the situation, given its potential to escalate into a larger regional conflict.

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