India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan for the first time since its inception in 1960. |
| Trigger | Terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistani terrorists killed 26 tourists. |
| Additional Measures | Closure of the Attari-Wagah border, revocation of visa services for Pakistani citizens, and expulsion of Pakistani military and diplomatic personnel from India. |
| Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) | Signed in Karachi on September 19, 1960, mediated by the World Bank. Divides six rivers: Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi) to India, Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan. |
| Suspension Significance | Allows India more strategic flexibility in managing Indus basin's water resources, particularly for Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects. |
| Legal Complexity | Treaty contains no unilateral exit clause. Dispute resolution mechanism includes Permanent Indus Commission, Neutral Expert, and court of arbitrators. |
| Ongoing Disputes | Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects are points of contention. India issued notices in January 2023 and September 2024 seeking modification of the Treaty. |
| Neutral Expert Role | Michel Lino appointed by the World Bank in 2022. Ruled in January 2025 that he was competent to adjudicate on disputes related to hydroelectric projects. |
| Implications | Strategic leverage for India, water security concerns for Pakistan, and potential risk to regional stability. |