The Indus Waters Treaty, a decades-old agreement between India and Pakistan, has come under serious strain. On April 23, 2025, India officially suspended its cooperation under the treaty, following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that took place just a day earlier. This move marks a major turning point in the relationship between the two countries and is already being viewed as one of India’s most significant diplomatic actions in recent times.
A Historic Indus Water Treaty Now on Hold
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed back in 1960 between Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan. It was brokered by the World Bank after nine long years of negotiations. The agreement aimed to share the waters of the Indus river system between the two countries in a peaceful and structured way.
Under the treaty, India controls the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan receives the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. Though Pakistan gets about 80% of the water flow, India is allowed limited use of the western rivers for irrigation and hydroelectric projects, as long as it doesn’t affect Pakistan’s share.
Despite ongoing tensions and even wars, the treaty stood firm for over 60 years. It was often praised globally for being a rare example of cooperation between two nuclear-armed neighbours.
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Why India Suspended the Indus Water Treaty
The immediate trigger for the Indus Water Treaty suspension was the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. The attack killed 26 people, including Indian tourists and a foreign national. Investigations linked the incident to terror groups based in Pakistan, which once again raised the issue of cross-border terrorism.
In response, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to suspend the treaty. The decision was a part of a broader set of actions, including closing the Attari border, cancelling visas for Pakistani nationals, and expelling military advisors from Pakistani diplomatic missions in India.
The government made it clear that this move is a message to Pakistan. Until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” stops supporting terrorism, India will not resume cooperation under the treaty.
What This Means for Pakistan
The Indus Water Treaty suspension hits Pakistan where it hurts the most—its water resources. The country’s agriculture, especially in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh, depends heavily on the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers. Water from these rivers is also vital for drinking and industrial purposes.
By suspending the treaty, India is not only responding to terrorism but also using water as a strategic tool. This kind of pressure tactic targets Pakistan’s food and water security, which could force a reconsideration of its current stance on cross-border militancy.
A Shift in Strategy
What makes this suspension significant is that the Indus Waters Treaty had survived even during the wars of 1965, 1971, and the Kargil conflict in 1999. This is the first time India has actually stepped away from the agreement, showing a clear change in its approach.
The move signals that India is now willing to go beyond traditional diplomatic protests. By targeting a lifeline like water, India is raising the stakes and demanding real change.
What Lies Ahead
The Indus Water Treaty suspension has opened a new chapter in India-Pakistan relations. The ball is now in Pakistan’s court. If it takes meaningful steps against terrorism, there might be room for re-engagement. Until then, the suspension sends a strong message: national security comes first, and long-standing agreements are no longer untouchable if red lines are crossed.
While this development has serious implications, it also underlines how interconnected water, security, and diplomacy have become in today’s world.
In the end, this is more than just a pause in a treaty—it’s a clear statement of intent.
