Indus Water Treaty Suspension: India has decided to keep the Indus Water Treaty suspended due to ongoing tensions with Pakistan. On May 13, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the 1960 treaty will not be restored at this time. This comes after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people lost their lives.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that although military operations at the Line of Control (LoC) have ceased, diplomatic agreements like the Indus Water Treaty cannot resume unless Pakistan stops supporting terrorism. He said the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) took this decision and emphasized that India signed the treaty in good faith. However, decades of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan broke that trust.
Jaiswal also explained that India now considers new challenges like climate change, population growth, and technological progress while dealing with international agreements.
After the April 23 attack, India acted firmly. It expelled Pakistani defence advisors from New Delhi and blocked Pakistani-flagged ships from entering Indian ports.
The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and struck nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Defence Ministry confirmed that the forces avoided Pakistani military facilities and chose targets carefully to prevent further conflict.
If India permanently blocks or reduces the water flow to Pakistan, it could cause a serious water crisis there. Pakistan heavily depends on rivers like the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab for agriculture and drinking water. A shortage could affect crops, electricity production, and access to clean water for millions of people. However, such a move could also raise concerns under international law and lead to increased diplomatic pressure on India. Experts say it must be handled carefully, balancing national security and humanitarian concerns.
India has made it clear that the treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan permanently ends its support for terrorism.
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