Introduction
The Indus Water Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960, has been a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, governing the distribution of the Indus river system’s waters. For over six decades, this agreement survived wars, crises, and diplomatic standoffs. However, in April 2025, India suspended the treaty in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, marking a historic shift in South Asian water diplomacy. This blog delves into the background, reasons, and implications of the Indus Water Treaty suspension, with a focus on its impact on both nations and the broader region.
Table of Contents
What is the Indus Water Treaty – Indus River System?
Signed: September 19, 1960, in Karachi
Brokered by: The World Bank
Signatories: India (Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru), Pakistan (President Ayub Khan), World Bank as guarantor
Rivers Covered: Six rivers in the Indus Basin
Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej (allocated to India)
Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab (allocated to Pakistan)
Water Allocation:
India: ~20% of the total flow (33 million acre-feet annually)
Pakistan: ~80% (135 million acre-feet annually)
Purpose: To ensure fair water sharing and reduce conflict over river resources.
Why Was the Indus Water Treaty Suspended?
India’s decision came after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which killed 26 people. The attack was linked to Pakistan-based terror groups. In response, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) suspended the treaty, alongside other diplomatic measures, demanding Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjure its support for cross-border terrorism”.
“The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.” – Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri
India Pakistan Water Dispute
The India-Pakistan water dispute is one of the most significant and long-standing sources of tension between the two nations, primarily revolving around the Indus River System. This system consists of six rivers — the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — all of which originate in India but flow through Pakistan before reaching the Arabian Sea.
The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) brokered by the World Bank allocated the rights to the waters of these rivers between India and Pakistan, giving India control over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) and Pakistan control over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).
While the treaty was intended to foster cooperation, tensions have remained high due to Pakistan’s concerns over India’s water usage and control, especially regarding the construction of dams and projects on the eastern rivers, which Pakistan claims could reduce the water flow to its territory. Over the years, this water dispute has been exacerbated by geopolitical issues, national security concerns, and incidents of cross-border terrorism, with both nations accusing each other of violating the terms of the treaty.
As of 2025, the dispute remains unresolved, with significant implications for regional water security, agriculture, and diplomacy. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India, in response to heightened tensions and terrorism, marks a critical turning point in the diplomatic and geopolitical relationship between the two countries.
Indus Water System
The Indus Water System is one of the most vital and extensive river systems in Asia, primarily serving the water needs of both India and Pakistan. The system consists of six major rivers: the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, all of which originate in the Himalayas.
The Indus River, the largest in the system, flows from Tibet through northern India and into Pakistan, eventually reaching the Arabian Sea. The water from these rivers supports millions of people and is crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial purposes.
The Indus Water System is divided into two sections: the eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej), which are controlled by India, and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab), which flow through Pakistan. This division was formalized by the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, a landmark agreement brokered by the World Bank to ensure the equitable sharing of the waters.
The treaty has largely held up despite political tensions, but the management and usage of water resources continue to be a source of friction between India and Pakistan, with both countries increasingly reliant on these precious waters for agricultural and industrial growth.
Pakistan Water Crisis
Pakistan is facing a severe and growing water crisis, largely due to a combination of factors such as rapid population growth, climate change, inefficient water management, and the over-extraction of water resources. The country relies heavily on the Indus River System for its water needs, but the system is under increasing strain as demand for water continues to rise, while its supply becomes increasingly erratic.
Over 90% of Pakistan’s water is used for agriculture, which is heavily reliant on irrigation, making the country particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in water availability. Additionally, Pakistan’s water storage capacity is extremely limited, with the country storing only around 30 days’ worth of water compared to 120 days in other water-stressed countries.
As the region faces more frequent and intense droughts, and the glaciers in the Himalayas—which feed the Indus River System—continue to retreat due to global warming, Pakistan’s water situation is expected to worsen. This crisis is exacerbated by poor water management practices, inadequate infrastructure for water distribution, and contamination of water sources. With water availability declining rapidly, Pakistan is on the brink of becoming a water-scarce nation, posing significant threats to its agriculture, economy, and overall well-being of its population.
What Does “Suspension” Mean?
Abeyance vs. Termination: The treaty is not revoked but put on hold. India pauses its obligations, gaining flexibility over water use without formally withdrawing from the agreement.
Legal Context: While the IWT lacks explicit abrogation provisions, Article 62 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties allows for suspension or repudiation if fundamental circumstances change.
Source of Video: Hindustan Times
Immediate Impacts of the Indus Water Treaty Suspension
On India
Increased Control: India can now use the waters of the Indus system more freely, especially the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).
Project Autonomy: No longer bound by treaty restrictions, India can:
Build new storage facilities on western rivers
Undertake reservoir flushing and other operations for hydropower projects like Kishanganga and Ratle
Stop sharing river flow and flood data with Pakistan
Deny Pakistani officials access to Indian hydropower projects
Strategic Leverage: Suspension is seen as a strong diplomatic tool to pressure Pakistan on terrorism.
On Pakistan
Water Security at Risk: Pakistan’s agriculture and drinking water rely heavily on the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. The treaty’s suspension introduces uncertainty in water supply, especially critical during sowing seasons.
Agricultural Impact: The Indus basin irrigates vast tracts of farmland, supporting 68% of Pakistan’s rural population and contributing 23% to national income. Disruption could lead to lower crop yields, food shortages, and economic instability.
Energy Concerns: Hydropower generation (a third of Pakistan’s electricity) depends on predictable river flows. Any disruption could affect power supply.
Flood Risk: Without Indian data, Pakistan faces higher risks of unanticipated floods during monsoon.
Political Tensions: Water allocation disputes may intensify within Pakistan, especially between provinces like Punjab and Sindh.
Broader Geopolitical and Environmental Implications
Regional Stability: The suspension marks a significant escalation in India-Pakistan tensions, with potential for further diplomatic fallout and international mediation, especially by the World Bank.
Climate Change: Changing rainfall patterns and glacial melt already strain water resources. The treaty’s technical framework does not account for these shifts, making cooperation even more vital.
Future of the Treaty: Experts suggest that suspension could be a precursor to full abrogation, depending on future developments. India has already sought modifications to the treaty, citing demographic and environmental changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the Indus Water Treaty permanently cancelled?
No, it is suspended (in abeyance), not revoked. India has paused its obligations but not formally withdrawn.
Q2: Can India legally abrogate the treaty?
While the IWT lacks abrogation clauses, international law (Vienna Convention) allows for treaty repudiation under fundamentally changed circumstances.
Q3: How soon will Pakistan feel the impact?
Immediate effects are limited by existing infrastructure, but the risk and unpredictability of water supply have increased, especially for agriculture and energy.
Q4: What role does the World Bank play?
The World Bank is a guarantor and may be called upon for mediation, but its influence is limited if India formally withdraws.
Q5: What is the Indus Water System?
The Indus Water System consists of six major rivers: the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. These rivers originate in the Himalayas, flowing through India and Pakistan, with the Indus River being the largest. The system is crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial use for both nations. The water system is divided into two sections: the eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej), controlled by India, and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab), controlled by Pakistan.
Q6: How does the Pakistan Water Crisis impact its population?
Pakistan’s water crisis is driven by factors such as rapid population growth, climate change, and inefficient water management. Over 90% of Pakistan’s water is used for agriculture, leaving the country vulnerable to water shortages. The lack of sufficient water storage, combined with the shrinking glaciers in the Himalayas, is exacerbating the situation. The crisis affects Pakistan’s agricultural production, economy, and public health, as many water sources are also contaminated. As water availability declines, Pakistan faces the risk of becoming a water-scarce nation in the near future.
Q7: What are the causes of Pakistan Water Crisis?
The Pakistan Water Crisis stems from several interrelated causes:
- Population growth that increases demand for water.
- Climate change, which leads to unpredictable rainfall and reduces snowmelt from glaciers.
- Inefficient water management and outdated irrigation systems.
- Over-extraction of groundwater, leading to depletion of water reserves.
- Contamination of water sources, which impacts public health.
Conclusion
The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty is a watershed moment in India-Pakistan relations, with profound implications for water security, agriculture, energy, and regional stability. As the situation evolves, both countries—and the international community—will closely watch the next steps, hoping for a resolution that balances security concerns with humanitarian needs.
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External Source:
Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India
Ministry of Jal Shakti – Department of Water Resources