Understanding the Indus Water Treaty
India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan in response to ongoing terrorism, raising concerns about future water flow and agricultural impacts in Pakistan.
In a significant move, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan after the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 people lost their lives. The suspension of the treaty, which has been in place for over 60 years, is a strong message from India about its anger and frustration with continued violence supported by Pakistan.
The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, helped both India and Pakistan share water from six major rivers: Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. According to the agreement, India has control over the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi), while Pakistan controls the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab). Both countries rely heavily on these rivers for irrigation and agriculture.
India, as the upper riparian country, has always been able to use the waters of the eastern rivers without restrictions, while Pakistan has had the right to receive water from the western rivers. However, India was not allowed to build major dams or block the flow of water from these rivers, limiting its control over the western rivers. Despite ongoing tensions and conflicts between the two nations, the treaty was largely followed.
But now, with the suspension of the treaty, India has stopped sharing river data with Pakistan and is no longer obligated to inform Pakistan about new projects on the western rivers. This means that India can begin building reservoirs and control the flow of water in these rivers without Pakistan’s consent. Although this won’t immediately cut off water to Pakistan, it gives India the potential to significantly alter the water flow in the future.
Pakistan, which depends on the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers for about 80% of its water supply, is particularly vulnerable. Any interruption to this water supply could harm crops and lead to food shortages, especially in the agricultural regions of Punjab and Sindh, which produce most of Pakistan's food.
India’s decision to suspend the treaty also raises concerns about potential flash floods or droughts in Pakistan, as India can control the water flow during different seasons. Recently, India stopped the water flow at the Baglihar and Salal dams on the Chenab River, causing a temporary near-drying of the riverbed in Pakistan. This sudden change in water flow led to flash floods downstream, causing damage and worry in Pakistan.
While some people claim that India is causing floods or drying up Pakistan’s rivers, these are exaggerated rumors. In reality, the suspension of the treaty doesn’t mean India will immediately cut off Pakistan's water. But over time, India could change the flow, which will have a serious impact on Pakistan's agriculture and economy.
Pakistan has reacted strongly, calling India’s move an “act of war.” Many Pakistanis, including protest groups, have expressed their anger at the suspension. Pakistan is also facing internal challenges, and this move by India only adds to its troubles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier stated, “Blood and water can’t flow together,” referring to Pakistan's support for terrorism in Kashmir. He made it clear that India would keep the treaty suspended until Pakistan stops supporting terrorism.
This situation has also raised concerns with Bangladesh, which shares water from the Ganga River with India under the Farakka Barrage Treaty. This agreement is set to expire in 2026, and Bangladesh is worried whether India will renew it after the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty.
As tensions rise and the situation develops, the future of water-sharing agreements in South Asia looks uncertain.
