India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan

India has officially informed Pakistan of its decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 in abeyance, citing Pakistan’s alleged breach of treaty conditions and sustained cross-border terrorism targeting Jammu and Kashmir. The announcement was made via a letter from India’s Secretary of Water Resources, Debashree Mukherjee, to Pakistan’s Secretary of Water Resources, Syed Ali Murtaza.

The letter emphasized that honoring a treaty in good faith is a fundamental obligation, but sustained acts of terrorism by Pakistan have obstructed India’s rights under the treaty. It also highlighted additional reasons for reassessment, including changed population demographics, the need for clean energy development, and Pakistan’s refusal to negotiate modifications under Article XII(3). The letter stated, “The Government of India has hereby decided that the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect.”

India’s decision follows a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists. In response, India has announced a series of measures, including suspending the treaty, expelling Pakistani military attachés, and shutting down the Attari land-transit post.

Pakistan has strongly rejected India’s suspension of the treaty, arguing that any attempt to divert water flow “belonging to Pakistan” under the agreement will be considered an “act of war.” This development adds significant tension to the already strained relationship between the two neighboring countries.