India Suspends Indus Water Treaty Amidst Rising Tensions with Pakistan

65 years ago, India and Pakistan signed an agreement to share the waters of the Indus River and its five tributaries. India got three of those rivers and about 30% of the total water, while Pakistan received the rest. This agreement, known as the Indus Waters Treaty, has been considered a strong bond between these two rival countries for many years. However, after a terrorist attack on tourists in Kashmir this week, the Indian government decided to pull back from this treaty.

This is a big change because the treaty has lasted through three wars and many conflicts without breaking. The recent attack was especially shocking because it targeted normal travelers, including families and honeymooners, instead of military or police forces like previous attacks. Survivors claimed the attackers specifically targeted non-Muslim men, which reminded many Indians of dark times in their history.

The Indian government wants to stop ties with Pakistan, which has supported terrorism in Kashmir. With a less involved US government under President Trump, there may not be much help for either side now, making things more dangerous in the area.

Peace depends on strong leaders: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Asim Munir. Munir must realize it’s up to him to prevent further violence, even though making peace will be politically risky for him. Pakistan’s National Security Council recently threatened war over any water supply issues, which could make things worse. A calmer reaction would have been better to allow space for peace.

India’s control over the water supply could make things tougher for Pakistan, especially since its economy relies on agriculture, which is affected by water. Recent floods in Pakistan caused huge damage, showing how vulnerable the country is to water issues. However, the Indian government’s decision to pause the water-sharing treaty raises questions about what they hope to gain. While India could create uncertainty for farmers in Pakistan, seriously affecting water supplies is a massive challenge involving major construction projects.

If India were to cut off water, it’s hard to see Modi hurting struggling farmers instead of targeting Pakistan’s military, which he has always opposed.