Indus Waters Treaty Faces Unprecedented Suspension Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions

Islamabad, May 1, 2025 — In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, India has unilaterally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a pivotal water-sharing agreement with Pakistan, following a deadly militant attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists. This marks the first suspension of the treaty since its inception in 1960, raising concerns over water security and regional stability.

The IWT, brokered by the World Bank and signed in Karachi on September 19, 1960, by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan, was designed to allocate the waters of the Indus River system between the two nations. Under the treaty, India received control over the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan was allocated the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. The agreement included provisions for data sharing, dispute resolution, and permitted uses, such as India’s limited non-consumptive use of western rivers for hydroelectric projects .

The recent attack in Pahalgam, attributed by India to Pakistan-based militants, has prompted New Delhi to suspend its participation in the IWT. Indian officials have cited national security concerns, accusing Pakistan of harboring terrorist elements. Water Minister C.R. Patil declared that “not even a drop of water from the Indus River goes to Pakistan,” signaling a hardline stance .

Pakistan has vehemently denied involvement in the attack and condemned India’s suspension of the treaty as an “act of war.” Islamabad is exploring legal avenues to challenge the suspension, including appeals to the World Bank, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and the International Court of Justice . The World Bank, while acknowledging the treaty’s significance, has refrained from commenting on the suspension .

The suspension poses a significant threat to Pakistan’s agriculture and energy sectors, which heavily rely on the Indus River system. Approximately 80% of Pakistan’s irrigated agriculture depends on these waters, and any disruption could exacerbate food insecurity and economic instability .

Experts warn that the suspension of the IWT could lead to further deterioration of India-Pakistan relations, with potential ramifications for regional peace. The treaty has historically served as a buffer against conflict, even during times of war. Its suspension removes a critical mechanism for cooperation and dispute resolution, increasing the risk of miscalculations and escalation .

The unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India marks a significant departure from decades of water diplomacy and raises serious concerns about the future of India-Pakistan relations. As both nations navigate this crisis, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that preserves regional stability and the equitable sharing of vital water resources.