Introduction
In 1960, India and Pakistan agreed on sharing the Indus River water. This is the Indus Waters Treaty agreement. The World Bank helped them talk and find a solution. Since then, both countries use the river water with some rules, which has reduced disputes. But things have changed.
After the Pahalgam attack on 22nd April 2025, India pulled out of the treaty talks. This one step has lit a fire under long-running debates—who controls the water, how secure the region is, and whether both sides will sit and talk again.
On 22nd April 2025, just after the Pahalgam attack, India made a strong decision. It stopped the water treaty talks with Pakistan. This move didn’t come out of nowhere. It brought big questions to the front, i.e., Who controls the water? Is the region safe enough? And will the two nations sit down for talks again? The tension is real, and both sides now face a tight situation. India has taken a firm stand on its side, and the decision is clearly in Pakistan’s court now. What happens next depends on action, not just words.
On this day, just after the Pahalgam attack, India made a strong call. It stopped the water treaty talks with Pakistan. This move didn’t come out of nowhere. It brought big questions to the front—who controls the water? Is the region safe enough? And will the two nations sit down for talks again? The tension is real, and both sides now face a tight situation. India took a firm stand, and the ball is clearly in Pakistan’s court now. What happens next depends on action, not just words.
Later, India suspended treaty negotiations following the Pahalgam attack. This wasn’t just a pause, it raised landmark issues. Who governs the water? How safe is the area? Will the two countries negotiate again? The consequences of such a decision were obvious, yet the answers appear subtle. The situation requires effort, not dialogue.
Now the big question is out there: Can this treaty hold on anymore, or is South Asia staring at a water conflict?
Background: The Indus Water Treaty Explained:
Disputes over sharing water emerged after India and Pakistan were created as separate countries in 1947. The rivers flowing from India to Pakistan became a point of contention since they were lifeblood for both countries. The 1948 Agreement was signed to try to defuse the conflict. This was a makeshift solution making it possible for Pakistan to get water in cooperation with India. But both countries required a long-term resolution.
Water Allocation Under the Treaty
You’ll probably agree that water-sharing agreements are a big deal, especially between neighboring countries. And in my experience, clarity in allocation is what keeps tensions in check.
India controls the Eastern Rivers—Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi. Since these rivers originate in India, the country has full rights over their use, whether it’s for agriculture, industry, or drinking water.
Pakistan has control over the Western Rivers—Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum. Even though these rivers originate in India, the treaty gives Pakistan full access to their waters. The idea was to keep things stable and prevent future disputes, but as history has shown, agreements don’t always mean smooth sailing.
India has limited rights on the Western Rivers, meaning it can use them only for non-consumptive purposes like hydropower and navigation. However, it cannot divert or store significant amounts of water, which keeps the balance in place.
Current Developments: India’s Suspension of the Treaty
What led to the Decision?
A terrorist attack on Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 26 innocent people of India. India accused Pakistan of aiding cross-border terrorism. This event increased hostilities between the two nations. In retaliation, India suspended its engagement in the Indus Waters Treaty, claiming it was a matter of national security. This policy change was unprecedented, as it fundamentally transformed how India interacted with the treaty, which had remained unchanged for years.
Implications of India’s Move
Halting cooperation under the treaty poses risks, not only for the two nations, but also for the regional balance.
- Water Diversion Possibilities: Reports suggest that India is contemplating the unilateral redirection of the waters of Indus, which are presently assigned to Pakistan, toward exploiting them for domestic use in the form of irrigation, drinking water, and even hydropower within its northern regions.
- Pakistan’s Water Security: The agricultural and drinking water needs of Pakistan are deeply ingrained in the Indus River System. Severe depletion of water resources will worsen the already critical water shortage problem confronting the country, which could jeopardize food security and public health.
- International Reactions: Global constituents are keeping a brazen eye on the one. The treaty’s guarantor, the United Nations, and The World Bank have shown concern and asked both nations to attend to the matters diplomatically. Though formal mediation has not yet started, there is growing international pressure for the South Asian water dispute to be settled peacefully.
Geopolitical Challenges & Rising Tensions
India put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold after the Pahalgam terror attack, and now Pakistan is feeling the heat. Less water flow means trouble for Punjab and Sindh’s agriculture and hydropower. Their economy is already stretched, and this makes it worse. Meanwhile, China’s moves on the Brahmaputra add another layer of uncertainty. The World Bank called for talks, but both sides are holding their ground. With India’s new water management decisions, this could change the game. Right now, water, security, and survival are all on the table.
Global Reactions and Diplomatic Perspectives
When India and Pakistan clash over any reason, the entire world can never sit still. In such cases, powerful countries or organizations like the US, China, and the UN advise both sides to come to the table and resolve the problem through dialogue. No one wants any war to be caused by water, especially where water problems are already visible.
The World Bank, which brokered the agreement between the two countries in the 1960s, is keeping a close eye on this issue. They almost always warn both countries not to fight over this agreement that has been working for decades.
When such problems arise, our neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka become afraid. Even after this, if the Indus Treaty is broken, then what hope will there be for future water-sharing agreements?
When trust in water-sharing is broken, what future do we have? Water isn’t just a resource; it’s the heartbeat of life itself. If diplomacy doesn’t step up now, the cost will be far greater than any treaty—we’ll lose something priceless. The time to act isn’t tomorrow. It’s today.
Conclusion
The Indus treaty of 1960 is fundamentally about more than just water; it is about trust and geopolitics. One ought to note that it has survived incredibly difficult periods during its lifetime. There is no other option available, so India and Pakistan have to come to an agreement. With violent climate change, there are greater risks. Compromise and collaboration are the most efficient ways to solve these problems. Now the true challenge presents itself in the way of resources both nations have to offer.
