Pakistan Urges India to Reconsider Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

Pakistan Urges India to Reconsider Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

Pakistan has reportedly appealed to India to revisit its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing water-sharing agreement between the two nations. According to reports, Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources has sent a formal letter to New Delhi, requesting the restoration of river flows into its territory as stipulated under the treaty.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has been a critical framework for water distribution between the countries for over six decades. However, India recently placed the agreement on hold following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists. The attack was attributed to Pakistan-based militants.

Citing national security concerns, the Indian government announced the suspension of the treaty until Pakistan takes definitive and irreversible steps to end its support for terrorism. The decision was backed by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), marking a historic first pause in the operation of the accord.

In its communication to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Pakistan warned that halting the treaty could provoke a severe internal crisis. Nonetheless, Indian authorities have dismissed the warning, accusing Pakistan of undermining the spirit of cooperation by promoting cross-border terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation after the successful Operation Sindoor, reaffirmed the government's firm stance, stating, “Water and blood cannot flow together. Terror and talks cannot happen at the same time. Terror and trade cannot happen simultaneously.”

Under the terms of the treaty, Pakistan receives water from the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—while India retains control over the eastern rivers—Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi. In light of recent events, India has introduced a comprehensive three-tier approach—short-term, mid-term, and long-term—to maximize utilization of the Indus waters within its own territory.

Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil emphasized the government’s resolve, noting that every drop of water originating in India will be harnessed domestically. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal echoed this sentiment, stating that Pakistan had undermined the treaty's foundation of goodwill through decades of support for terrorism.

India’s robust response follows Operation Sindoor and a subsequent brief ceasefire. Officials have clarified that future engagement with Pakistan will center solely on combating terrorism and reclaiming Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Under the original terms of the treaty, India was allocated around 30 percent of the Indus system's waters, with Pakistan receiving the remaining 70 percent. With the treaty on hold, the Modi administration is expected to push ahead with long-delayed hydroelectric infrastructure.