India has announced that the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan will remain in abeyance until Islamabad ends its support for terrorism. The statement was made by India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, P. Harish, during a World Water Day event in New York.
The envoy emphasized that while India has always acted as a responsible upper riparian state, responsibility is a two-way street. He stressed that Pakistan must uphold the sanctity of human life before speaking of upholding the sanctity of treaties.
Signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty divides control of the river system between the two countries. India controls the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan has rights over the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
India’s decision to suspend the treaty underscores its position that water cooperation cannot be separated from security concerns. The move links regional water-sharing arrangements directly to Pakistan’s actions on terrorism.
Officials noted that while there is no immediate disruption to water flow, the suspension signals India’s readiness to escalate measures if Pakistan does not change course. The announcement adds pressure on Pakistan at international forums and highlights India’s stance on linking water security with counter-terrorism.
