India has officially suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan. This decision came days after a tragic terror attack on a group of Indian tourists in the Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir. According to Indian authorities, the attackers were linked to a group supported by Pakistan. The incident has reignited tensions between the two nations, leading India to adopt tougher diplomatic measures.
The Indus Waters Treaty was seen for decades as a rare point of cooperation between India and Pakistan. However, this recent violence has shifted that balance. Experts say India is now exercising its right under international law to suspend the treaty, citing security concerns and Pakistan’s repeated violations through support of cross-border terrorism.
What Happened in Pahalgam?
The Pahalgam attack occurred when a group of tourists was traveling through a well-known scenic route in Jammu and Kashmir. Their bus was ambushed, leading to several casualties and injuries. The Indian government stated that the attackers had ties to Pakistan-based terror groups, a claim that has been made in past similar incidents as well.
This attack, according to officials, crossed a red line. It was not just an act of terror but also a symbolic blow to peaceful tourism and normal life in the region. The loss of civilian lives triggered strong emotions across the country and led to widespread calls for a serious response.
Understanding the Indus Waters Treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank. It was created to fairly divide water from six rivers between India and Pakistan. India was given the rights to three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan gained control of the three western rivers—Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum.
Despite several wars and conflicts over the years, both countries continued to honor the treaty. It was viewed globally as a successful example of water-sharing between rival neighbors. India’s latest decision to suspend the treaty marks a major shift and could impact the delicate peace that existed around water-sharing.
Legal Grounds for Suspension
India’s decision to suspend the treaty is not without legal backing. Experts refer to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, particularly Article 60. This article states that if one party seriously violates a treaty, the other party has the right to suspend it.
India argues that Pakistan’s continued support for terror outfits operating across the border is a serious breach. Because of this, India claims it has full authority to put the treaty “in abeyance”—a term meaning the agreement is paused rather than fully terminated.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan has reacted strongly to India’s move. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the suspension an “act of war.” He warned that such a decision would hurt Pakistan’s agriculture, economy, and people, who depend heavily on water from the western rivers.
The statement has caused concern in diplomatic circles. Pakistan sees water as a basic right, not something to be used in political disputes. However, India has maintained that its actions are lawful and were prompted by the loss of innocent lives.
Past Warnings from India
India had issued warnings in the past about its growing frustration. In 2016, after the Uri army camp was attacked, Prime Minister Narendra Modi famously said, “Blood and water cannot flow together.” After that, India fast-tracked its water infrastructure projects to make better use of the rivers it controls.
While India never pulled out of the treaty at that time, it signaled that the agreement should not be taken for granted if Pakistan continues to support terrorism. The recent attack in Pahalgam appears to have tipped the scale.
Global Reaction and Concerns
So far, the global response has been muted. Some countries have expressed concern over rising tensions. The World Bank, which helped set up the treaty, may try to mediate if the situation escalates. Most global powers are calling for peace and restraint on both sides.
Water experts also fear that if the treaty fully collapses, it could open the door to future conflicts. Both nations have growing populations and rising demands for water. Any disruption in water supply could lead to a humanitarian crisis in Pakistan and put pressure on India as well.
What Could Happen Next?
India has not permanently ended the treaty. By placing it “in abeyance,” India has left room for review. The government may reconsider its stance if there is a change in Pakistan’s behavior or cooperation on terror-related issues.
However, if attacks continue and relations worsen, India could eventually exit the treaty completely. This would be a serious step and would likely draw greater international attention.
India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is a powerful response to a deadly attack. It sends a message that India will no longer tolerate acts of terror without taking real action. Backed by legal provisions and a strong emotional mandate, this move marks a new chapter in India-Pakistan relations.
While the suspension is not a full withdrawal, it puts pressure on Pakistan to reconsider its alleged support for terror groups. Whether this leads to peace or more conflict remains to be seen. For now, the world watches closely.
