Understand the full story of the Indus Waters Treaty: its history, working principles, the disputes that emerged, and why India decided to suspend it after decades.
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Water has always been a source of life — and sometimes, a source of conflict. One of the best examples of peaceful cooperation over water resources is the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan. Signed more than sixty years ago, this agreement divided the waters of the mighty Indus River system between two newly independent nations. Despite wars, political tensions, and numerous provocations, the Treaty stood firm. It was often hailed as a model of international diplomacy. However, in a major shift in April 2025, India decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, citing national security concerns after a devastating terror attack in Kashmir. This article traces the entire journey of the Indus Waters Treaty — how it came into existence, how it worked, the problems it faced, and finally, why India chose to suspend it in 2025.
The Birth of the Indus Waters Treaty: A Need Arises
The story of the Indus Waters Treaty begins with the Partition of India in 1947. When British India was divided into two nations — India and Pakistan — it wasn’t just the land that was split. Rivers, which do not recognize man-made borders, also became points of dispute. The Indus River system, comprising six major rivers — Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — became a shared lifeline. Most of these rivers originated in India, but flowed into Pakistan, making Pakistan heavily dependent on waters controlled by India.
This precarious situation first exploded into a crisis in April 1948, when India temporarily suspended the water supply to some Pakistani canals from Indian-controlled rivers. Though the issue was quickly resolved through talks, it exposed how fragile peace could be without a formal agreement. Recognizing the need for a permanent solution, negotiations began with the help of the World Bank, which acted as a neutral facilitator between the two countries. After nearly a decade of discussions, on September 19, 1960, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan signed the Indus Waters Treaty in Karachi, with the World Bank acting as a witness and guarantor. This agreement was not just a diplomatic achievement; it was a lifeline for Pakistan’s agriculture and economy and a sign that cooperation was still possible, even between enemies.
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How the Indus Waters Treaty Was Designed to Work
The Indus Waters Treaty created a clear and structured framework for sharing river waters. It divided the six rivers into two categories. The three eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — were allocated for India’s exclusive use. India could harness these rivers for agriculture, drinking water, and even build storage and hydroelectric projects. On the other hand, the three western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — were reserved primarily for Pakistan. India was allowed limited use of the western rivers for certain purposes like irrigation and hydroelectric generation but without creating storage reservoirs that could disrupt flows to Pakistan.
To implement this sharing mechanism smoothly, the Treaty also established a Permanent Indus Commission, consisting of a commissioner from each country. These officials were responsible for exchanging hydrological data, inspecting infrastructure, and resolving technical issues. Annual meetings and joint inspections were part of the system to ensure transparency and build trust. Moreover, in case of disagreements, the Treaty provided a three-step dispute resolution process: direct negotiations, followed by intervention by a neutral expert, and, if necessary, reference to an international court. This detailed framework was why the Treaty survived even during full-scale wars between India and Pakistan in 1965, 1971, and 1999.
Why the Indus Waters Treaty Was So Important
For Pakistan, the Indus Waters Treaty was more than just a document — it was a matter of survival. Over 80% of Pakistan’s irrigated agriculture depended on waters from the Indus River system. Without guaranteed access to these waters, millions of farmers would have lost their livelihoods, and the country could have faced famine and economic collapse.
For India, while the Treaty meant giving up a large share of the river waters, it brought stability on a critical front. By agreeing to a fair and clear division, India avoided endless water disputes with its neighbor and secured rights over the eastern rivers. It could also undertake limited hydroelectric projects on western rivers under strict conditions, helping its energy needs without violating the Treaty.
Internationally, the Treaty was praised as a rare example of peaceful conflict resolution. In a world where shared rivers often become flashpoints for war, the Indus Waters Treaty showed that even bitter rivals could find a way to cooperate when survival was at stake.
Rising Disputes and Challenges Over Time
Despite the overall success of the Indus Waters Treaty, the decades were not without friction. Pakistan often raised objections to Indian projects on the western rivers, fearing they would disrupt flows crucial for its agriculture. Two major cases stand out: the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Plant on a tributary of the Jhelum River. In both instances, Pakistan accused India of violating Treaty terms by constructing dams that could potentially regulate water flow.
These disputes went through the Treaty’s dispute resolution process. Neutral experts and courts generally upheld India’s right to build such projects but imposed certain technical conditions to safeguard Pakistan’s water interests. Although the Treaty mechanisms worked, these cases increased mistrust and added political tensions between the two nations.
In addition to legal disputes, a new threat emerged: climate change. The Treaty, designed in the 1950s, did not account for the modern realities of glacial melts, erratic rainfall, and shrinking river volumes. As water availability became less predictable, both India and Pakistan faced greater pressure to secure their water rights, adding fresh stress on an already delicate arrangement.
The Turning Point: Pahalgam Attack and India’s Decision to Suspend the Treaty
The event that shook the foundation of the Indus Waters Treaty came in April 2025. A brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, left dozens of civilians and soldiers dead. The Indian government directly accused elements within Pakistan of planning and supporting the attack. In the national outcry that followed, India announced a bold and historic decision: the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
India justified this suspension on the grounds that continued cooperation with a country that sponsors terrorism was no longer acceptable, even in critical areas like water sharing. Indian officials emphasized that while India had respected the Treaty even during wars, the consistent use of terrorism as a tool against India had crossed a red line. Water, which had been a symbol of peace, could no longer be separated from national security considerations.
The decision to suspend the Treaty marked a dramatic shift in India’s Pakistan policy. No longer would agreements signed in good faith be honored blindly while terrorism continued unabated. India also announced plans to maximize the utilization of the waters of the eastern and western rivers, including fast-tracking several hydroelectric and irrigation projects that had been delayed due to treaty obligations.
What the Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty Means
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has far-reaching implications. For Pakistan, the consequences could be devastating. Its agriculture, economy, and food security depend heavily on the steady flow of the Indus system. If India chooses to fully utilize the waters of the western rivers within the scope of international law — by building dams, diversions, and other projects — Pakistan could face severe water shortages that would hurt millions of its citizens.
For India, the suspension offers an opportunity to strengthen its own water security, boost agricultural production in regions like Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir, and generate more hydroelectric power. However, India also faces the challenge of managing the international fallout. Using water as a tool of pressure, even in justified circumstances, can attract criticism from the global community. India would need to carefully balance its security needs with its image as a responsible international actor.
At the regional level, the suspension could escalate tensions further. Water wars are a real fear in the 21st century, and without a treaty framework, disputes over river sharing could lead to heightened hostility or even conflict.
Conclusion
The Indus Waters Treaty was a landmark achievement of diplomacy and peaceful cooperation. For over six decades, it provided stability in water sharing between India and Pakistan, surviving wars, political upheavals, and even natural disasters. However, the situation has changed dramatically. In a world where terrorism knows no borders, India could no longer continue honoring an agreement with a nation that uses terror as a weapon against innocent civilians.
India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty after the horrific Pahalgam terror attack is not only justified but necessary. Pakistan’s persistent support for terrorism is not just an attack on India — it is an attack on humanity itself. Terrorism brings untold suffering, violates every principle of human rights, and destabilizes peace across the world. No country should be expected to cooperate with a regime that promotes such evil.
By suspending the Treaty, India has sent a powerful message: there will be no more business as usual with a nation that sponsors terrorism. This stand is not only in India’s national interest but also in defense of global human values. Water, the source of life, cannot be a reward for those who champion death and destruction. It is time the world recognizes that terrorism must have consequences, and India’s action is a step in the right direction — for its people, for justice, and for the dignity of humanity.
