More Trouble on the Indus: Modi Pulls the Plug on Water-Sharing Agreement
Trump's mediation influence on long-term India-Pakistan truce: achievable or illusionary peace?
In an audacious move that's got the world on tenterhooks, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put the brakes on the Indus Waters Treaty, a historical water-sharing agreement between Pakistan and India. In a much-televised address, Modi stated, "We've hit pause on our military action. Stay tuned for what happens next."
The suspension is based on a deadly militant attack that rocked Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, with India pointing the finger at Pakistan-backed militants. This decision represents a significant escalation, weaving together the treaty with the thorny issue of cross-border terrorism.
Initiated in 1960, brokered by the World Bank, and governed by the Permanent Indus Commission, the treaty outlines how the six tributaries of the Indus River system are shared. Historically, it has remained an isolated area of cooperation between the two nations. Notably, the treaty lacks an exit clause, implying that any changes require mutual consent.
Modi's move is speculated to be a tough stance against Pakistan, articulating, "you can't mix blood with water." This hardened approach signals a shift towards tying water sharing directly to Pakistan's actions on terrorism.
Currently, there's no indication of the Donald Trump administration playing a role in the treaty status. The suspension and the related diplomatic fallout are believed to be confined to India-Pakistan relations.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty poses a severe threat to Pakistan's water security, igniting geopolitical and security tensions in the region.
- India halted the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty in April 2025.
- The suspension is contingent on Pakistan ending support for cross-border terrorism.
- Modi linked the treaty's suspension to security concerns, emphasizing the incompatibility of cooperation amid violence.
- The treaty's suspension jeopardizes Pakistan's water supply, escalating geopolitical and security concerns.
- The Trump administration has been absent from recent developments on this issue.
- Consequently, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in April 2025 by India is a direct response to Pakistan's continued support of cross-border terrorism.
- The linking of the treaty's suspension to security concerns by Modi implies that the resumption of cooperation between the two nations can only occur when there is a significant reduction in violence.
- Furthermore, the suspension of the treaty is a clear indication of the political and military ramifications of war-and-conflicts, particularly in the context of water-sharing agreements.
