On April 23, 2025, India announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese tourist.
The IWT, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has been a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, governing the distribution of water from the Indus River and its tributaries. India's decision to suspend the treaty marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
The Indian government has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, a claim Pakistan denies. In addition to suspending the IWT, India has downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, including reducing diplomatic staff and closing the Attari-Wagah border crossing.
The suspension of the treaty could have substantial implications for Pakistan, which relies heavily on the Indus River system for agriculture and water supply. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, given the potential for increased tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
As the situation develops, the future of the Indus Waters Treaty remains uncertain, with potential ramifications for regional stability and water security.