The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960, has long been a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, governing the distribution of water from the Indus River system. The treaty allocated control over the three eastern rivers—Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej—to India, and the three western rivers—Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum—to Pakistan. This agreement has survived multiple conflicts and tensions between the two nations, serving as a rare example of sustained cooperation.
However, on April 23, 2025, in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India announced the suspension of the IWT. This unprecedented move has raised questions about the future of the treaty and its implications for regional stability.
The decision to suspend the treaty reflects India’s growing frustration with cross-border terrorism and its desire to assert greater control over shared resources. By targeting the IWT, India aims to pressure Pakistan into curbing militant activities emanating from its soil. The suspension of the treaty not only disrupts a vital water-sharing agreement but also signals a shift in India’s approach to dealing with Pakistan.
The international community has expressed concern over the potential consequences of this suspension. The World Bank, which brokered the treaty, has called for dialogue between the two nations to resolve the issue. Environmentalists have also warned that any disruption to the Indus River system could have severe ecological impacts, affecting millions of people dependent on its waters.
As both countries grapple with the fallout from this decision, the future of the IWT remains uncertain. The suspension has set a precedent that could influence other transboundary water agreements worldwide, highlighting the delicate balance between cooperation and conflict in shared resource management.
