India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty: A Major shift in Water Diplomacy
In a meaningful move, Prime Minister Narendra modi announced that Pakistan will no longer receive water from rivers controlled by India, following a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. This decision marks a departure from the Indus Waters Treaty, established in 1960 with World Bank mediation, which has been crucial for Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Approximately 80% of Pakistan’s farmland relies on the waters of three rivers originating in India, making this treaty a vital lifeline for the nation.
Despite the gravity of this decision, Pakistan’s Finance Minister has stated that the suspension will not have an immediate impact. The April attack, which claimed 26 lives-mostly Hindu tourists-was attributed by India too a Pakistan-backed group, a claim that Islamabad vehemently denies. This incident has escalated military tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors to their highest level in 30 years, only to be eased by a ceasefire on May 10.In a rally in Rajasthan,Modi emphasized that Pakistan must pay a heavy price for each attack,targeting its military and economy directly. This evolving situation underscores the intricate and often volatile nature of water diplomacy in South Asia, where water resources are intertwined with national security and political relations.
