Indus Waters Treaty: Should India Suspend It as Retaliation for Pahalgam Attack?
In a brutal attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, 26 lives were lost, including two foreigners. The attack, attributed to The Resistance Front (TRF), a faction of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has sparked a wave of outrage across India.
This marks the deadliest assault in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack, which also shook the nation.
In response to the growing frustration over cross-border terrorism, former Indian Ambassador to Russia, Kanwal Sibal, has proposed an unusual course of action: the indefinite suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which has governed water distribution between India and Pakistan for over six decades.
It it time to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty indefinitely as a truly meaningful response to the latest terrorist outrage in Pahalgam instigated by Pakistan.
We have earlier said that blood and water can’t go together. Let’s act on our own declared position .
This will be a…
— Kanwal Sibal (@KanwalSibal) April 22, 2025
The Indus Waters Treaty: A Lifeline for Two Nations
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, is one of the most significant agreements between India and Pakistan. It divides the waters of six rivers in the Indus basin: India controls the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, while Pakistan has the rights to the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers. These rivers are critical to Pakistan’s agriculture, particularly in Punjab and Sindh, where most of the country’s farming takes place.
For Pakistan, the treaty has ensured a steady water supply, but for India, it has long been a point of contention, especially given the history of cross-border violence.
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Kanwal Sibal’s Proposal: Blood and Water Can’t Flow Together
Sibal’s suggestion to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty is rooted in the idea that “blood and water can’t flow together.” He argues that Pakistan’s support for terrorism—especially against Indian civilians and soldiers—should lead to tangible consequences.
For Sibal, the suspension of the IWT would be a powerful signal to Pakistan and its ally, Bangladesh, that India is no longer willing to treat business as usual in the face of repeated terrorist provocations.
The former ambassador’s timing seems strategic. With the pro-India Trump administration still fresh in memory, and with Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India on the horizon, Sibal sees an opportunity to align India’s stance with the United States on combating terrorism and extremism.
In the past, the U.S. has supported India in its efforts to counter Islamic extremism, and Sibal believes that suspending the IWT could put additional pressure on Pakistan to curb its support for militant groups.
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Geopolitical Implications: A Pressure Tactic?
The geopolitical implications of suspending the IWT are far-reaching. Sibal argues that it would create a ripple effect, potentially destabilizing Pakistan’s agricultural sector, which is heavily reliant on the Indus River system. Pakistan’s agricultural economy, particularly in its breadbasket provinces of Punjab and Sindh, could face significant strain if access to these waters is reduced.
This move could also push Pakistan closer to China, further complicating the security environment in the region.
At the same time, India would be signaling to its allies and adversaries alike that it is no longer willing to tolerate provocations from Pakistan. Sibal’s proposal, while bold, raises important questions about how far India is willing to go to safeguard its sovereignty and security. Could suspending the treaty push Pakistan to rethink its support for terrorist groups, or would it simply escalate tensions further?
What Does This Mean for the Average Person?
For the average person in India, the idea of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty may sound like a drastic but understandable move. Terrorism has become a constant fear, especially in regions like Kashmir, where the wounds of past attacks are still fresh.
While the suspension of water rights may seem like a political maneuver, it could have real consequences on Pakistan’s economy and its relations with India. The common man, sitting in a café in Delhi or Mumbai, might feel a sense of justice in such a move. After all, why should India continue to provide water to a country that supports terrorism against its people?
On the other hand, the global repercussions of such a decision could be felt far beyond the subcontinent. The world is already watching the Indo-Pakistani rivalry with concern, and a move to suspend the IWT could inflame tensions that have been simmering for years.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Move?
Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty would undoubtedly send a strong message. It would show Pakistan that India is not afraid to use its geopolitical leverage when it feels cornered. But it also risks escalating an already volatile situation. The challenge for India is balancing the need for security and retaliation against the need for long-term peace and stability in the region.
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