Pahalgam Terror Attack: India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty With Pakistan
Mumbai: In a historic and unprecedented move, the Indian government has indefinitely suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following revelations of cross-border linkages in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives, including that of a foreign national. Also Read: 26 Killed in Deadly Terror Attack at Popular Kashmir Tourist Spot Near Pahalgam
The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)—India’s apex body on national security matters—marking a dramatic escalation in response to the deadliest attack in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
#WATCH | Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "Recognising the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided upon the following measures- The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/PxEPrrK1G8
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025
As per the government’s announcement, water flow from the Indus River and its tributaries—Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—will be stopped, a move that is expected to severely impact water availability for tens of millions of people in Pakistan.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed on September 19, 1960, was brokered by the World Bank and has been one of the most enduring water-sharing agreements globally, withstanding three wars between India and Pakistan. Under the agreement, waters of the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—were allocated to India, while the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—were assigned to Pakistan.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing the press, said the CCS had reviewed “the cross-border dimensions of the attack” and noted that the incident came amid significant democratic progress and development in Jammu and Kashmir. “The scale and brutality of the attack demanded a strong and irreversible response,” he stated.
The move comes after India had earlier notified Pakistan on August 30, 2024, of its intention to seek amendments to the treaty under Article XII (3), citing three primary concerns: the continuing cross-border terrorism, demographic shifts, and the need to accelerate clean energy goals to meet national emission targets.
Defence analysts are calling the suspension of the treaty one of India’s most significant retaliatory measures against Pakistan. While the government has not disclosed further strategic steps, this bold shift is being interpreted as a sign of zero tolerance toward terrorism originating from across the border.
The suspension has already triggered international concerns, with diplomatic circles anticipating potential ripple effects across South Asia’s geopolitical and environmental landscape. However, Indian officials emphasized that national security and the safety of its citizens remain the foremost priorities.
This development adds further tension to the strained India-Pakistan relationship and could redefine regional dynamics in the coming weeks.
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