The Aftermath of Kashmir Terror: India S Suspends Water Agreement with Pakistan
India halts water-sharing accord with Pakistan
The perpetrators behind the gruesome attack on tourists in Kashmir remain at large, yet India has decided to take a firm stance against its arch-nemesis, Pakistan.
This decision comes one day after an attack on a tourist group in the Indian-controlled region of Kashmir, claiming 26 lives and leaving one Nepalese casualty. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the closure of the main shared border crossing and the suspension of a crucial agreement pertaining to water distribution. The accusation here is that Pakistan supports "cross-border terrorism."
A Calamity in Pahalgam
The heinous attack occurred in Pahalgam, approximately 90 kilometers from Srinagar, a popular tourist destination. The attackers targeted 26 Indian men and one Nepalese individual. Upon hearing of this shocking incident, India's Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, vowed to respond swiftly. "Those responsible for this atrocity will soon hear our response, loud and clear," he declared in New Delhi. India is not only after the assailants but also those who mastermind such evil acts.
The Indus Water Treaty Standoff
Senior Indian diplomat, Vikram Misri, announced India's decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. This will remain in effect "until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism." Dating back to 1960, this treaty governs the allocation of important water resources from Himalayan rivers. Alongside this, Misri stated that the primary border crossing between India and Pakistan will be closed, and the presence of India's diplomatic staff in Islamabad's embassy will be reduced. Furthermore, Pakistan will be obligated to scale back its diplomatic staff in India.
Identifying the Guilty Parties
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet. Nevertheless, the Indian Army claimed to have neutralized two armed militants close to the Indo-Pakistani border and eliminated two terrorists during an exchange of fire in Baramulla, a city situated in the Himalayan region. These incidents, however, are not directly linked to the attack on tourists, rather an alleged attempt to infiltrate the area.
A Century of Strife: Kashmir's Troubled History
Kashmir, predominantly inhabited by Muslims, has been a hotspot of unrest for decades. Separatists wishing for independence or annexation to Pakistan have been causing disarray. India consistently charges Pakistan with supporting armed separatists, though Pakistan denies these claims. Islamabad, however, insists that it merely supports the Kashmiri people's struggle for self-determination.
The Pakistani Response
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its condolences to the affected families. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif revealed that the National Security Committee (NSC) would convene in response to India's punitive measures. Known to meet only in extraordinary circumstances, the NSC's assembly is a strong indication of Pakistan's escalating response. Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar criticized India's actions as "unjust and hasty," demanding evidence to support its claims.
The Indus Waters Treaty and the Politics of Water
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), brokered by the World Bank, was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan. It divided the six rivers of the Indus Basin between the two countries, with India receiving the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) and Pakistan the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab). Historically, conflicts over water rights emerged as early as the Partition in 1947, resulting in a decade of negotiations before the treaty was finalized.
Over the years, disputes over water rights have continued, with India focusing more on dam projects since the Uri attack in 2016. As part of a broader security narrative, this shift was to serve national development needs and address alleged Pakistani obstruction [1]. On February 1, 2023, India formally invoked Article XII(3) of the treaty, requesting renegotiation due to climate change, national development needs, and Pakistani obstruction. Pakistan, however, refused to renegotiate without mutual consensus.
The Kashmir Attack and the Suspension of IWT
On April 23, 2025, India declared the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. This decision halts the regulated flow of water from the western rivers, posing a threat to Pakistan's irrigation and drinking water supplies, particularly during peak summer periods.
The Future of the Indus Water Treaty
The suspension of the treaty marks a significant leap in tensions and signifies the first time the treaty has been suspended since it was signed in 1960. India, presumably, will have to bolster its water storage capacity and focus on hydroelectric projects such as Kishanganga and Ratle to maintain control over water resources [3].
India's strategy revolves around exerting pressure on Pakistan regarding terrorism allegations, as India has indicated it will not resume the treaty's participation until Pakistan firmly renounces its support for cross-border terrorism [5]. As the international community closely monitors this development, the treaty's historical role in maintaining peace between India and Pakistan amidst prolonged tensions remains crucial.
- India
- Pakistan
- Terror Attacks
- Islamabad
- Islamists
- Islamism
- Indus Waters Treaty
- Himalayan Rivers
The Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the recent escalation of war-and-conflicts, particularly in regions like Kashmir. The perpetrators behind terrorist attacks, such as the one in Pahalgam, must face strict measures of justice.
Politics and crime-and-justice are intertwined, as a terrorist attack on tourists in Kashmir has led to India suspending a water agreement with Pakistan. This suspension of the Indus Water Treaty follows India's decision to close the main shared border crossing and reduce the presence of diplomatic staff in each other's embassies.
The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, has been a source of controversy for over half a century due to disputes over water rights and ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. As a result of the Pahalgam attack, India has formally invoked the treaty's suspension, potentially threatening Pakistan's irrigation and drinking water supplies.
As the international community monitors the development of the Indus Water Treaty, it is crucial to address the underlying issues leading to terrorism and instability in regions like Kashmir. The protection of workers from exposure to ionizing radiation during times of such strife is an important aspect that deserves attention in maintaining a general-news environment conducive to peace and justice.
The Indus Water Treaty and the politics of water management must be approached thoughtfully, bearing in mind the historical role the treaty has played in maintaining peace amidst prolonged conflicts and the potential impact a dispute could have on the region's economy and the lives of millions of people.
