On 22nd April, 2025, a terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Kashmir, and Jammu claimed the lives of 28 civilians. Among them, 25 were Indian tourists, two were locals, and one was a foreign national, leaving 20 others injured.
The devastating incident became the wake-up call of India and the government convened a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting was followed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announcing the imminent suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.
What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
After 9 years of negotiations, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was signed on September 19, 1960. The pact was signed between India and Pakistan, with the World Bank brokering the agreement. The treaty determines the distribution of the waters of the Indus and its tributaries. Due to the negotiations and agreement signed by Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan in 1960, India enjoys unrestricted use of three eastern rivers: the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej.
Why Has the Indus Waters Treaty Been Suspended?
What happened in Pahalgam is noted to be an attack that came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development. Recognizing the seriousness of the terrorist attack, Foreign Secretary Virkam Misri disclosed the CCS decisions upon the following measures.
- The IWT of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.
- The integrated Check Post Attari-Wagah border will remain closed with immediate effect. People who have already crossed the border have been suggested to make their return by 01 May 2025.
- Pakistani nationals are not permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave.
- The defense or military officials-naval and air advisers in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi—are ordered to leave India within a week. And India will withdraw its own defense navy and air advisers from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
- The overall strength of the high commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions.
What Does the Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty Mean for Pakistan?
India got about 30% of the total water carried by the Indus River System located in India, while Pakistan got the remaining 70%. Yet the suspension of IWT can have several impacts on Pakistan.
- Nearly 90% of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on irrigation from the Indus River system. That can easily be disturbed with the suspension on IWT.
- Pakistan depends on dams and barrages on the Indus River system to generate hydroelectric power. Reduced river flow could cause electricity shortages and increase reliance on costly fossil fuels.
- Reduced agricultural productivity and power shortages can lead Pakistan to economic strain and lead to unemployment, rural poverty, etc.
- Pakistan can face international tension as water scarcity may lead to conflicts between Pakistan’s provinces, especially between Punjab and Sindh.
End Note
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty marks a significant escalation in India-Pakistan relations. The impact of the Pahalgam attack has now become a national issue and is subject to intensive pressure on international diplomacy. But drawing a margin between two nations can really solve terrorism? There are many questions taking over the minds of people.
Therefore, the suspension raises concerns about potential retaliatory measures and the overall stability of the region.
About The Author
