India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a historic move, India has formally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with Pakistan, citing sustained cross-border terrorism, including the recent Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. This marks the first suspension of the treaty, which had withstood three wars.

Under the treaty, India had exclusive control over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan used the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—even though they originate in Jammu and Kashmir. The suspension halts annual meetings of Indus Water Commissioners, data sharing on river flows and glacier melts, and field visits by Pakistani officials to Indian hydro projects. It also stops the publication of the annual Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) report.

The immediate fallout for Pakistan could be severe. Nearly 90% of Pakistan’s irrigation depends on the Indus system. Without critical data on river discharges and flood warnings, the risk of water scarcity, crop failures, and flooding increases sharply. The impact extends to Pakistan’s energy sector as well, worsening the country’s already fragile financial situation.

India’s decision sends a strong diplomatic signal, reinforcing its stance against terrorism and asserting its sovereign rights over its natural resources.