India has announced the suspension of the historic Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a drastic move following a deadly terrorist attack in the northern town of Pahalgam on April 22. The attack, which resulted in multiple casualties including Indian security personnel and civilians, has sharply intensified hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The Indian government, citing national security concerns, declared that the flow of water to Pakistan under the treaty would be halted with immediate effect. This decision impacts three key rivers — the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — which collectively supply billions of cubic meters of water to Pakistan annually.
Established in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty has long been regarded as one of the most successful examples of water-sharing diplomacy in a conflict-prone region. However, Indian officials now argue that continuing to honor the agreement is untenable in the face of what they describe as “relentless cross-border aggression and state-sponsored terrorism.”
In a parallel move signaling further deterioration in bilateral ties, India has also shut down the Attari-Wagah land border crossing, a crucial trade and travel route between the two nations. Additionally, all visas issued to Pakistani nationals have been cancelled, effectively severing civilian movement across the border.
Pakistan has strongly condemned India’s decision, calling it a blatant violation of international norms and an “act of war.” In a statement released by the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad, officials warned that any alteration to the natural flow of rivers would provoke a “full-force response.” The country has also called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the escalating crisis.
Regional analysts warn that the suspension of the treaty could trigger a broader water conflict in South Asia, where water scarcity is already a mounting issue. With both countries facing internal political pressure and rising public anger, the situation remains volatile.
International reactions are expected in the coming days, with diplomatic circles in Washington, Beijing, and Brussels closely monitoring developments. The World Bank, a key guarantor of the Indus Waters Treaty, has yet to issue a formal response.
As tensions continue to rise, observers fear that a further escalation could push the region into uncharted and dangerous territory.
