India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty
In a dramatic turn of events, India has suspended the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, a move that has sent shockwaves through South Asia. The decision, announced on April 23, 2025, follows the deadly Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, raising fears of escalating geopolitical tensions over the critical Jhelum River and other shared water resources. This development marks the first suspension of the treaty since its inception in 1960, spotlighting the growing weaponization of water in India-Pakistan relations.
The Indus Waters Treaty: A Historic Agreement Under Threat
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed on September 19, 1960, has been a cornerstone of water-sharing cooperation between India and Pakistan. The treaty allocates control of the three eastern rivers—Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej—to India, while Pakistan manages the western rivers, including the Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus. According to Wikipedia, the Jhelum, alongside the Indus and Chenab, carries a mean annual flow of 99 billion cubic meters, making it a lifeline for Pakistan’s agriculture, which irrigates over 47 million acres of farmland.
Despite surviving decades of conflict, including the Indo-Pakistani wars, the treaty faced its first major challenge when India halted the flow of Ravi River water to Pakistan on March 1, 2025. The suspension on April 23, announced by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, was triggered by the Pahalgam attack, with India citing national security concerns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement, “Blood and water cannot flow together,” underscores India’s hardline stance amid rising tensions.
Jhelum River at the Heart of the Conflict
The Jhelum River has emerged as a focal point in this escalating dispute. India recently restarted the controversial Tulbul Project, a navigation initiative on the Jhelum in Kashmir, which had been stalled due to Pakistan’s objections. Pakistani officials fear that India, as the upstream nation, could manipulate water flows to cause devastating floods or droughts, particularly during conflicts. A recent X post by user @utkarsh2048 captured the sentiment: “India will further weaponize water against Pakistan. You need water, we drought you. You have excess water, we flood you. #jhelumriver.”
This is just the beginning;
— Utkarsh2048 (@utkarsh2048) April 26, 2025
India will further weaponize water against Pakistan.
You need water, we drought you.
You have excess water, we flood you. 😸#jhelumriverpic.twitter.com/b3PGeyoysB
Climate Change and Regional Instability
Adding to the complexity is the looming threat of climate change. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) highlights that melting Himalayan glaciers, which feed the Indus Basin, are threatening long-term water security in the region. Communities along the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir already face water scarcity, and without a renewed treaty or cooperative framework, experts warn of heightened risks of conflict over shared resources.
The broader regional context further complicates matters. China’s control over Tibetan water resources, including the Brahmaputra River, impacts water availability for India and Bangladesh. A 2023 study in Journals.sagepub suggests that the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) could serve as a platform for dialogue, advocating for hydrological data sharing among India, Pakistan, and China to mitigate tensions and improve disaster preparedness.
Global Implications of Water Weaponization
India’s decision to suspend the IWT could set a precedent for other upstream nations, potentially reshaping transboundary river governance worldwide. Analysts note that this move underscores the intersection of water security, climate change, and geopolitics in South Asia—a region heavily reliant on shared river systems. The 2016 Uri attack, which killed 18 Indian soldiers, had previously prompted India to hint at withdrawing from the treaty, signaling long-standing frustrations.
As tensions rise, the international community watches closely. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty not only threatens India-Pakistan relations but also highlights the urgent need for updated agreements that address modern challenges like climate change and geopolitical strife. Will diplomacy prevail, or will water become the next battleground in South Asia? Only time will tell.