India Criticizes Indus Waters Treaty, Citing Pakistan's Terrorism Links

New Delhi, India Jul 21, 2026 ALN: The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960, has long been a cornerstone of water-sharing arrangements between India and Pakistan, governing the use of rivers that flow across their borders. The treaty was brokered by the World Bank and aimed to facilitate cooperation and mitigate conflict over water resources, which are critical for both nations. It allocated the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan, while India was given rights over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. The treaty allows each country certain uses on the rivers allocated to the other, creating a framework intended to promote peace and stability in the region.

However, recent developments have called into question the efficacy of the treaty, particularly in light of ongoing tensions between the two countries, largely fueled by Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism. India has criticized the treaty's provisions, asserting that they have become ineffective due to Pakistan's continued backing of terrorist organizations, a claim that has gained traction following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. This attack was reportedly carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a group believed to be linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

In response to this attack, India implemented a series of punitive measures, including placing the Indus Waters Treaty on hold. This decision reflects a broader strategy by India to respond to what it perceives as Pakistan's hostile actions, including its support for cross-border terrorism. The suspension of the treaty is seen as a significant shift in India’s approach to water-sharing negotiations, suggesting that India is no longer willing to overlook security concerns in favor of maintaining diplomatic niceties.

Sources indicate that India believes the treaty, in its current form, “will not function again” unless Pakistan takes credible steps to renounce its support for terrorism. This position underscores the intertwining of security and resource management in the South Asian context, where water is not merely a resource but also a strategic asset. The implications of this stance are profound, as they signal a potential long-term suspension of cooperative water-sharing efforts unless substantial changes occur in Pakistan's policy towards terrorism.

Pakistan's perceived misuse of the treaty has further complicated the situation. Reports suggest that individuals and groups sanctioned by the UN Security Council's 1267 Sanctions Committee continue to operate freely within Pakistan, participating in public events and propagating their ideologies. Such actions have raised alarms in India, where security agencies have reportedly gathered evidence indicating that these groups remain active just across the Line of Control, the de facto border in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Prior to the suspension of the treaty, India had made several attempts to engage Pakistan in dialogue regarding the treaty's provisions. Since 2023, India formally approached Pakistan on four occasions to discuss potential renegotiations. However, these overtures were met with limited responsiveness from Pakistan, which expressed a willingness to discuss issues at the level of the Indus Waters Commissioners rather than through direct governmental negotiations. This divergence in approach highlights the challenges of diplomatic engagement in an environment fraught with mistrust and competing narratives.

Pakistan's actions in obstructing Indian water management projects on cross-border rivers have further strained relations. The treaty was originally intended to foster goodwill and facilitate cooperation between the two nations, but Pakistan's actions have been interpreted as undermining this spirit. For instance, Pakistan has been accused of failing to effectively manage its share of river waters, allowing significant amounts to go to waste. Out of the 140 million acre-feet (MAF) of water available annually in the cross-border rivers, it has been reported that Pakistan wastes approximately 35 MAF—more than India's allocated share—by allowing it to flow into the sea.

Moreover, the treaty includes a graded mechanism for addressing disputes, which stipulates that differences should first be tackled by the Indus Waters Commissioners or governments before being referred to neutral experts or courts of arbitration. However, Pakistan has previously violated this mechanism by unilaterally retracting its request for a neutral expert to address objections related to India's Kishenganga and Ratle projects, opting instead for court arbitration. This approach has raised concerns in India about Pakistan's commitment to the treaty's foundational principles.

In response to the treaty's suspension, India has accelerated the development of several water management and power generation projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Historically, many of these projects had been stalled due to Pakistan's actions and objections. Over the past six decades, India has generated 3,300 MW of hydropower in the region, with an additional 3,500 MW expected to be added in the coming years. Projects such as the Kiru and Pakal Dul hydroelectric plants are set to be commissioned soon, with further developments like the Kwar and Ratle projects anticipated by 2028.

The implications of these developments extend beyond mere water management; they have the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape of South Asia. As India moves forward with its projects, it is likely to assert its rights over the rivers more aggressively, potentially leading to further tensions with Pakistan. Additionally, the ongoing stalemate over the Indus Waters Treaty may lead to increased militarization of the region, as both nations seek to secure their interests amid a backdrop of insecurity.

Ultimately, the future of the Indus Waters Treaty remains uncertain. The interplay between water resources and national security will likely continue to dominate discussions between India and Pakistan. Unless both sides can find common ground and agree to address the underlying issues of terrorism and mutual distrust, the treaty may remain suspended, with significant implications for regional stability and cooperation.