India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, citing Islamabad’s continued support for cross-border terrorism. The decision follows a deadly militant attack in Kashmir that killed 26 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national.
The suspension was announced after a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the treaty, signed in 1960, would be held in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has been a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, governing the sharing of waters from six rivers in the Indus system. Despite multiple conflicts, including wars and skirmishes, the treaty had remained intact for over six decades. Its suspension marks a significant shift in India’s approach to bilateral agreements with Pakistan.
In addition to suspending the treaty, India has taken several other measures in response to the attack. These include expelling Pakistani diplomats, withdrawing military advisors from Islamabad, and ordering all Pakistani nationals with SAARC visas to leave the country within 48 hours. The Wagah-Attari border crossing, a key point of land connectivity between the two nations, has also been closed.
Pakistan has denied any involvement in the Kashmir attack and has condemned the loss of lives. However, Islamabad has warned that any attempt by India to divert river waters would be considered an act of war. In a retaliatory move, Pakistan has suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement, which has governed peace and border terms between the two countries.
The militant group Kashmir Resistance claimed responsibility for the attack, which targeted tourists in the scenic Pahalgam region. Indian authorities believe the group is a front for Pakistan-based organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attack has disrupted a period of relative calm and growing tourism in the region, leading to increased security measures and a significant decline in visitor numbers.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbours. The treaty has been instrumental in ensuring water security for Pakistan’s agriculture sector, and any disruption could have severe economic implications.
India’s decision to suspend the treaty comes after years of frustration over Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism and its objections to India’s hydroelectric projects on rivers governed by the treaty. In 2024, India had issued a notice to Pakistan seeking a review and modification of the treaty, citing changes in circumstances and the need for clean energy development.
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