India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, following a terror attack. The decision, announced by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, will remain in effect until Pakistan abandons its support for cross-border terrorism.
Signed in 1960 by India and Pakistan, the IWT allocates the Indus River's waters, with India controlling the eastern rivers and Pakistan controlling the western ones. India has roughly 30% and Pakistan 70% of the water. The treaty includes dispute resolution mechanisms, but lacks an exit clause.
This is the first time a signatory has suspended the treaty. India previously sought modifications in 2023, citing changing circumstances like demographics, environmental challenges, and ongoing terrorism. Pakistan objected to Indian hydroelectric projects, claiming violations of the IWT.
India's suspension grants them more control over water usage. They can stop sharing data, create storage on Western rivers, and undertake reservoir flushing. Pakistan's response remains unknown, but legal avenues for redress through arbitration might be limited as the treaty lacks an exit clause, and filing a case at the ICJ could be barred by the Indian reservation under the ICJ statute. Immediate impacts are unlikely due to India's current infrastructure limitations.