Tensions between India and Pakistan have once again escalated over the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan’s top military leadership on Monday stated that it would take every necessary step to ensure the country receives its “legitimate share” of water under the treaty. The Pakistan Army warned that any attempt to stop or divert its share of water would be considered an act of war.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Army, the commitment was made during the 276th Corps Commanders’ Conference chaired by Army Chief General Asim Munir. The meeting reviewed the prevailing security situation and discussed issues related to national security, including the Indus water dispute.
The statement said that in accordance with government directives and public expectations, all necessary measures would be taken to secure Pakistan’s share of water.
Water Blockage to Be Considered ‘Act of War’
During the meeting, the military leadership also reaffirmed the decisions taken at the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting held on April 24, 2025. At that meeting, Pakistan had declared that any action to block or alter the flow of water allocated to Pakistan would be treated as an “act of war.”
The Corps Commanders also expressed satisfaction over the operational readiness, professional capabilities, and combat preparedness of Pakistan’s armed forces.
The meeting further raised concerns over alleged use of areas under Taliban control in Afghanistan by militant organisations to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan Earlier Raised Objections Against India
Earlier on July 2, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi had criticised India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. He alleged that India was using “baseless allegations of terrorism” as a justification to obstruct Pakistan’s legitimate water flows.
Pakistan maintained that the treaty is an internationally recognised agreement and claimed that no party can unilaterally suspend or terminate its obligations under the agreement.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had also stated that the Indus Waters Treaty remains “valid, binding, and effective.”
India Maintains Firm Stand
India has made it clear that its position on the Indus Waters Treaty remains unchanged. The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that the treaty is currently under suspension and that the decision was taken in response to Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism.
Following the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, India announced several punitive measures against Pakistan, including the decision to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. The agreement had governed the sharing and utilisation of water from the Indus river system between the two countries for over six decades.
What Is the Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the mediation of the World Bank. The agreement established rules for the distribution and utilisation of water from the Indus river system.
Under the treaty, the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — were allocated primarily for India’s use, while the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — were largely assigned for Pakistan’s use.
For decades, the treaty remained one of the few areas of cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. However, disputes over terrorism, security issues, and bilateral relations have now brought the agreement under renewed strain.