Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has sharply criticised the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, attributing its concessions to a “historic mistake” by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Addressing a gathering of farmers, Chouhan highlighted that the treaty allocated approximately 80% of the Indus basin’s water flow to Pakistan, a decision he deemed detrimental to national interests.
The minister’s remarks come in the wake of India’s suspension of the treaty, a move prompted by a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. Chouhan linked the treaty’s suspension to the need for prioritising domestic agricultural needs, especially in border states, and announced plans for short-, mid-, and long-term strategies to utilise the waters previously allocated to Pakistan.
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has long been considered a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, surviving multiple conflicts between the two nations. Under its terms, India was granted control over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan received the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. The treaty’s suspension marks a significant shift in India’s approach to water diplomacy, reflecting escalating tensions between the two countries.
Chouhan’s critique of Nehru’s role in the treaty’s formation underscores a broader governmental effort to reassess historical agreements in light of current geopolitical realities. By framing the treaty as a misstep, the minister aligns with a narrative that seeks to rectify past decisions perceived as compromising India’s strategic interests.
The suspension has elicited strong reactions from Pakistan, which has termed the move an “act of war” and vowed to challenge it through international legal avenues. Pakistan’s reliance on the Indus river system is substantial, with the waters supporting approximately 80% of its agriculture and hydropower needs. Any disruption to this flow could have significant implications for the country’s food security and economic stability.
In response to the treaty’s suspension, India has initiated measures to enhance its utilisation of the Indus waters. Projects aimed at diverting water from the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus rivers are being fast-tracked, with plans to expand infrastructure such as the Ranbir canal to increase water diversion capacity. These initiatives are intended to bolster irrigation and support Indian farmers, particularly in regions adjacent to the border.
The government’s decision has also found support among domestic constituencies. Organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh have welcomed the suspension, viewing it as a long-overdue correction of a policy that, in their view, failed to account for Pakistan’s alleged support of cross-border terrorism.
Analysts caution that the abrogation of the treaty could set a precedent for the politicisation of shared water resources, potentially destabilising regional cooperation frameworks. The situation is further complicated by China’s accelerated involvement in dam projects within Pakistan, signalling a deepening of strategic ties between the two nations and adding another layer of complexity to the regional water dynamics.
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