Water war looms: Indus treaty in jeopardy as India plans diversions

• News By : Web Desk
• 2025-05-16 08:53:34

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI: 16.05.2025: India is reportedly planning to increase water withdrawals from rivers assigned to Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), following a deadly April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi blames on Pakistan.

Shortly after the incident, in which 26 civilians were killed, India suspended its participation in the IWT, a 1960 agreement widely considered one of the world’s most successful water-sharing accords. Although Pakistan denied involvement, the treaty remained in limbo.

Officials told newsmen that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered acceleration of water projects on the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, all primarily allocated to Pakistan. A key plan included doubling the Ranbir Canal’s length to divert more water from the Chenab, potentially increasing its flow to India from 40 to 150 cubic meters per second.

India's actions have raised alarms in Islamabad, where officials argued that suspending the treaty is illegal and any attempts to divert Pakistani water would be seen as an “act of war.” About 80% of Pakistan’s agriculture and most of its hydropower depend on the Indus system.

Despite agreeing to a ceasefire last week, India continued planning large-scale water projects, including hydropower dams and water storage facilities in Jammu & Kashmir. Government documents suggested plans to redirect Indus waters to Indian states, potentially undermining Pakistan’s downstream access.

Pakistan is preparing legal action in international forums such as the World Bank, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and the International Court of Justice.

Experts warned that weaponizing water could backfire, especially in a region where China controls upstream flow into India. “India risks setting a precedent that could be used against it,” said water security expert David Michel.

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