In the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, citing national security concerns. The landmark 1960 accord, brokered by the World Bank, had survived decades of conflict — until now. India’s decision, backed by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), marks the first time the treaty has been placed in abeyance.

Pakistan's Ministry of Water Resources has reportedly written to New Delhi, urging it to reconsider and resume the flow of water from the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — allocated to Pakistan under the treaty. Warning of a brewing domestic crisis, Pakistan has appealed for the revival of cooperation.

India, however, remains unmoved. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referencing Operation Sindoor, stated firmly: “Water and blood cannot flow together. Terror and talks cannot happen at the same time.”

Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil announced a comprehensive three-tier strategy to prevent any flow of Indus waters into Pakistan, emphasizing that every drop will be harnessed for Indian use.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s position: “The treaty was rooted in goodwill. Pakistan has violated that spirit by continuing its support for terrorism.”

India currently receives around 30% of the Indus river system waters, with Pakistan receiving the rest. With the suspension in place, India is expected to fast-track long-stalled hydroelectric and irrigation projects.

A high-level meeting is expected this week, with Home Minister Amit Shah, Water Resources Minister Paatil, and other key officials to chart the way forward. Two meetings have already been held to strategize future water management in line with India’s national interest.

In the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, citing national security concerns. The landmark 1960 accord, brokered by the World Bank, had survived decades of conflict — until now. India’s decision, backed by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), marks the first time the treaty has been placed in abeyance.

Pakistan's Ministry of Water Resources has reportedly written to New Delhi, urging it to reconsider and resume the flow of water from the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — allocated to Pakistan under the treaty. Warning of a brewing domestic crisis, Pakistan has appealed for the revival of cooperation.

India, however, remains unmoved. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referencing Operation Sindoor, stated firmly: “Water and blood cannot flow together. Terror and talks cannot happen at the same time.”

Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil announced a comprehensive three-tier strategy to prevent any flow of Indus waters into Pakistan, emphasizing that every drop will be harnessed for Indian use.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s position: “The treaty was rooted in goodwill. Pakistan has violated that spirit by continuing its support for terrorism.”

India currently receives around 30% of the Indus river system waters, with Pakistan receiving the rest. With the suspension in place, India is expected to fast-track long-stalled hydroelectric and irrigation projects.

A high-level meeting is expected this week, with Home Minister Amit Shah, Water Resources Minister Paatil, and other key officials to chart the way forward. Two meetings have already been held to strategize future water management in line with India’s national interest.