India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, citing the Pahalgam terrorist attack and accusing Pakistan of not responding to requests to renegotiate the treaty. The World Bank, the treaty's mediator, was not informed of India's decision.
India argues that Pakistan's cross-border terrorism jeopardizes India's full utilization rights under the IWT and constitutes a breach of trust. India had previously called for renegotiation due to changing circumstances, including population growth, water needs, climate change, and cross-border terrorism.
The World Bank spokesperson stated that it does not comment on sovereign decisions of its member countries, while reaffirming the treaty's historical importance. The Bank was only a signatory for specific tasks and does not plan immediate measures to reverse the suspension.
India's move implies halting communication with Pakistan on hydrological data and infrastructural work on hydroelectric projects. While the Permanent Indus Commission hasn't met since 2022, India's decision may lead to further complications. India is now exploring previously unconsidered options, potentially including altering hydropower project designs to control water flow and using draw-down flushing to manage river levels.
The IWT restricts India's hydropower storage on Western rivers to prevent disruptions to Pakistan's agriculture. While existing projects are run-of-the-river, disputes have occurred over their designs. Suspending the IWT could allow India to control water flows, significantly impacting Pakistan's agriculture, which relies heavily on these rivers.