‘Indus Waters Treaty Will Remain Paused’: India Links Resumption to Pakistan Ending Terror Support
India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, saying it will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly renounces cross-border terrorism, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Tuesday that India will not resume the Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” ends its support for terrorism. The move follows Operation Sindoor and a subsequent ceasefire agreement between the two countries.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The Indus Waters Treaty was concluded in the spirit of goodwill and friendship. However, Pakistan has undermined those principles for decades through its active promotion of cross-border terrorism.”
He added, “As per the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decision of 23 April, India will keep the Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.”
India’s decision to pause the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty — a pact brokered by the World Bank — marks the first such action since its inception. The suspension comes in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
The attack prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military response. In his first televised address following the operation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared, “Water and blood cannot flow together,” reinforcing India’s shift in policy.
Jaiswal pointed out that besides Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism, evolving challenges like climate change, demographic pressures, and technological advancements necessitate a re-evaluation of the treaty.
“The realities on the ground have significantly changed since 1960. Our decisions are reflective of both national interest and new regional dynamics,” he noted.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs the allocation of water from the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. It has long been considered a cornerstone of India-Pakistan diplomacy, surviving multiple wars and diplomatic breakdowns.
However, growing frustration in India over Pakistan’s alleged use of terror proxies has led to calls for tougher measures, including revisiting the treaty. The recent suspension signals a new phase in bilateral relations, where national security may supersede diplomatic precedent.
