India suspended the Indus Water Treaty 1960, sent a formal letter to Pakistan
Political News: In a significant move, the central government has decided to temporarily suspend the landmark Indus Waters Treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1960. India has taken this decision with immediate effect, citing factors such as security concerns, cross-border terrorism, changing population needs and clean energy requirements.
Bhartiya government has sent an official letter to Pakistan in this regard informing it of the decision, putting a temporary halt to the decades-old water-sharing arrangement between the two countries.
Reference
The Indus Waters Treaty 1960 is an important agreement between India and Pakistan on the sharing of the waters of the Indus River system, which has so far remained in a difficult situation between the two countries. Recently, India had sent several notices to Pakistan under Article 12 (3) of the treaty to review the terms of the treaty.
These communications referred to the fundamental change in circumstances since the entry into force of the Treaty in 1960, which has necessitated a reassessment of the obligations under the various provisions of the Treaty and its Appendices. According to India, the changed circumstances made it difficult to continue the treaty in its present form, so a dialogue was sought with Pakistan to consider amendments to the treaty.
Cause – Several key reasons have been cited by the Government of India for suspending the Treaty:
Changed Population and Energy Requirements: The population of both the countries has increased drastically in the last six decades, which has changed the scenario of water demand. At the same time, India has to rapidly meet the need for clean energy (hydropower such as hydro) for its development. These changing needs and circumstances have affected the basic notions of water sharing of the Indus River on which the treaty was based.
Cross-border terrorism: India maintains that both sides should fulfil their obligations under the treaty in good faith, but in reality there have been frequent cross-border terrorist attacks by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.
It is clearly mentioned in the government letter that these Pakistan-sponsored terrorist activities have hurt the spirit of the treaty and increased instability in the region.
Security Uncertainty: The continuous atmosphere of terrorism and tension has increased uncertainty about the security of the country. According to India, these security challenges have prevented it from taking full advantage of its legitimate rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.
That is, while the treaty was in force, India was not able to make full use of its share of water resources, as the situation was complicated by every terrorist incident.
Pakistan’s non-cooperation: Pakistan did not respond positively to India’s request for amendments to the treaty and talks to resolve the issues. The treaty required both sides to discuss the amendment by mutual consent, but Pakistan ignored India’s request.
The Indian government has termed it a violation of the treaty as Pakistan did not abide by the spirit of cooperation enshrined in the treaty by refusing to hold talks.
In view of all these factors, India has decided to take concrete steps and suspend the Treaty temporarily.
Official statement on India SUSPENDING Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan Citing ‘cross border terrorism’, demographic shifts, Pakistan’s refusal to negotiate. Pakistan’s said any attempt to divert river waters ‘act of WAR’ #India #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/DFumBTibHg
— Prem Sagar (@PositivePrem) April 25, 2025
The effect
With the decision to suspend the water treaty, the Indus water-sharing arrangement established between India and Pakistan since 1960 has come to a standstill. The breakdown of this nearly 65-year-old arrangement has brought a new twist to the ongoing water dispute between the two countries.
India will now be in a position to make optimum utilisation of its share of waters of the Indus river system free of treaty restrictions, while uncertainty looms large over the future availability of river waters to Pakistan. Analysts believe that India’s move could further strain bilateral ties and lead to renewed talks on water issues between the two countries.
At present, according to the Indian government, this decision is a necessary step aimed at protecting the country’s security interests and development needs.
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