The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has been a cornerstone of water-sharing between India and Pakistan for over six decades. However, following the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam-allegedly backed by Pakistan and resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians-India’s Cabinet Committee on Security decided to put the treaty in abeyance. The move was presented as a direct response to Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterating that “terror and talk cannot take place together” and “water and blood also cannot flow together”
The letter from Pakistan’s Water Resources Secretary, Syed Ali Murtaza, to his Indian counterpart, Debashree Mukherjee, appeals for a reconsideration of the suspension, emphasizing that millions of people in Pakistan depend on the water regulated by the treaty. Pakistan’s communication warns that the suspension could trigger a severe crisis for its agrarian economy, which relies on the Indus river system for irrigation, urban consumption, and hydropower.
The letter describes India’s decision as “unilateral and illegal,” arguing that the treaty does not contain any provision for suspension or exit, and that the move amounts to an “attack on the people of Pakistan and its economy”. Pakistan also expressed willingness to discuss and address India’s concerns regarding the treaty, signaling a shift from earlier threats to seeking dialogue.
India has so far remained firm on its stance. Officials have stated that the decision to suspend the treaty is a response to Pakistan’s refusal to address terrorism concerns and its alleged breach of the treaty’s spirit. The government maintains that the threshold for reconsideration has been reached due to Pakistan’s continued use of terrorism as a tool against India.
India has also stopped sharing flood warnings with Pakistan and has begun operational changes at key hydropower projects on the Chenab river, further signaling the seriousness of its approach.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty marks the first time India has halted the World Bank-brokered agreement, raising concerns about water security, regional stability, and the precedent it sets for international water-sharing accords. Experts note that Pakistan is heavily dependent on the Indus river system, with about 80% of its cultivated land relying on these waters. The situation has triggered protests in Pakistan and appeals for international intervention, but India has not indicated any willingness to reverse its decision unless there is credible action from Islamabad on terrorism.