Pakistan officially asked India to withdraw its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty based on fear of a looming crisis. The request comes against a backdrop of mounting tensions since India suspended the treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilians’ lives.

Background: The Indus Waters Treaty

Signed in 1960 and negotiated by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty regulates sharing of water between India and Pakistan. The treaty grants India control over the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) and the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan. In the face of wars and conflicts, the treaty has held strong—until this time.

India’s Suspension of the Treaty
In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) discussed Pakistan’s ongoing patronage of terrorism and resolved to suspend the treaty. Indian diplomats state that water and blood cannot run together, stressing that terrorism and diplomacy cannot go hand in hand.

Pakistan’s Urgent Appeal
Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources has penned a letter to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, threatening that suspension of the treaty will lead to a domestic crisis. Islamabad has offered to negotiate for the resumption of the agreement.

India’s Steadfast Position
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed that India will not revive the treaty unless Pakistan verifiably ends its support for terrorism. The suspension represents a historic change in India’s diplomatic policy, connecting water-sharing with security issues.

The crisis in the Indus Waters Treaty highlights the increased tension in India-Pakistan relations. While Pakistan is looking for talks, India is adhering firmly to its counter-terrorism policy. The international community observes closely as events unfold.

ALSO READ: What is Indus Waters Treaty? How does it Impact on Pakistan After Suspension

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