In response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir — reminiscent of the Pulwama tragedy — the Indian government has taken a series of strong and unprecedented measures against Pakistan. In an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), India announced the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, the closure of the Pakistani embassy in India, and a complete ban on issuing Indian visas to Pakistani citizens. Additionally, the Attari border has been ordered to shut down with immediate effect.
What is the Indus Water Treaty?
The Indus Water Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, with the World Bank acting as a mediator. The treaty was aimed at the equitable sharing of the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries — Sutlej, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Beas. As per the agreement, India was allowed to use only 20% of the water from the Indus river system, while 80% was allocated to Pakistan.
The treaty was signed in Karachi by then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan’s then President Ayub Khan. For decades, this agreement has served as a key element of bilateral relations, even surviving wars and political tensions. However, with growing cross-border terrorism, the treaty’s relevance has increasingly been questioned in India.
What will be the impact of this decision?
India’s decision is likely to have severe consequences for Pakistan. The Indus River is considered the lifeline of Pakistan, supporting both its agricultural economy and drinking water supply. The suspension of water flow from India could lead to widespread drought, agricultural collapse, and a serious water crisis.
Over 210 million people in Pakistan depend on the Indus river system. Nearly 1.7 million acres of land in the Punjab province of Pakistan relies on this water for cultivation. With water scarcity looming, famine and extreme thirst could follow — worsening the plight of a nation already battling economic turmoil and food insecurity.
India Had Already Issued a Notice
In August 2024, India had formally issued a notice to Pakistan seeking a review of the Indus Water Treaty, citing “fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances,” especially due to repeated terrorist activities originating from across the border. That move was a clear signal of India’s dissatisfaction, and now, after the recent attack in Pahalgam, the government has acted decisively.
A Clear Message from the Modi Government
This move marks a turning point in India’s response to cross-border terrorism. By suspending the Indus Water Treaty, India has struck at the economic and agricultural backbone of Pakistan, sending a strong message that supporting terrorism will come at a steep cost.
This is not just a diplomatic move — it’s a strategic action, using water as a tool of geopolitical pressure. The Modi government has made it clear: India’s national interests and security will no longer be compromised, and future aggression will be met with bold, far-reaching consequences.
Now, the ball is in Pakistan’s court — how it chooses to respond to this multi-pronged crisis will determine the course of future relations.