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India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty after a deadly terror attack in Kashmir, intensifying tensions with Pakistan.

About the Indus Waters Treaty

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960, brokered by the World Bank.

It is an agreement between India and Pakistan that divides the waters of the Indus River system. This system includes six rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi.

The treaty provides India full control over the Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi) and Pakistan primary rights over the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab), though India can use these for limited purposes like hydropower.

The Indus system is vital—it starts in Tibet, flows through India’s Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, then into Pakistan, supporting agriculture, drinking water, and power for millions. For Pakistan, 80% of its farming depends on these waters.

The treaty has lasted through wars (1965, 1971, 1999) and decades of tension, making it a rare point of cooperation. But now, India has suspended it.

Why Did India Suspend the Treaty?

In April 2025, India announced it is suspending the IWT after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, killed 26 people. India blames Pakistan for supporting terrorists behind the attack.

This decision follows years of growing tension

• In January 2023, India sent a notice asking to “modify” the treaty, mentioning Pakistan’s uncooperative attitude.
• In September 2024, India pushed again for a “review and modification.” Tensions also arose over two Indian hydropower projects in Jammu & Kashmir—Kishenganga and Ratle—which Pakistan claims violate the treaty.
• In January 2025, a World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert ruled he could mediate these disputes, but the Pahalgam attack changed everything.

What Does Suspension Mean?

• Stop sharing water data with Pakistan.
• Ignore restrictions on how it uses the Western Rivers.
• Build storage facilities on rivers like Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
• Block Pakistani officials from visiting Indian hydropower projects.
• Manage projects like Kishenganga to extend their lifespan.

However, India can’t immediately stop water flowing to Pakistan. It lacks the dams or canals to redirect or store this water. Building such infrastructure will take years. For now, the suspension is a strong diplomatic message, not a physical cutoff.

What Are the Key Projects in Dispute?

Two Indian hydropower projects in Jammu & Kashmir have fueled tensions:

• Kishenganga Project: Located on a tributary of the Jhelum River, this “run-of-the-river” project generates electricity without storing water. Pakistan argues its design violates the treaty.
• Ratle Project: On the Chenab River, this is another run-of-the-river project. Pakistan claims it disrupts water flow.

Both projects follow the treaty’s rules, which allow India to build hydropower on Western Rivers if it doesn’t block water. But Pakistan’s objections have led to years of disputes, with the World Bank stepping in to mediate.

What Can Pakistan Do?

Pakistan’s options are limited. The treaty has no exit clause, meaning neither side can legally cancel it alone. It also lacks a suspension clause, so Pakistan can’t force India to restart cooperation through the treaty’s dispute resolution process. Legal experts say Pakistan can’t take India to the International Court of Justice due to India’s legal reservations. This leaves Pakistan with few peaceful ways to challenge India’s move.

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Source: 

INDIAN EXPRESS