A Russian expert on Tuesday said India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance was contrary to international law, describing the 1960 agreement as one of the world’s most successful water-sharing arrangements and warning that unilateral actions could threaten regional peace and stability.
Speaking at an international seminar in Islamabad, Dr Roxolana Zigon said the treaty contained no provision for unilateral withdrawal and remained the cornerstone of water cooperation between Pakistan and India.
Speaking at an international seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in Islamabad on Tuesday, Dr. Zigon said the 1960 treaty has ensured water cooperation between Pakistan and India for more than six decades despite periods of political and military tensions.
She stressed that the treaty contains no provision allowing either country to unilaterally withdraw or suspend the agreement, adding that the framework remains the foundation of equitable water sharing in South Asia.
Over 90% of Pakistan’s Agriculture Depends on Indus Waters
Dr. Zigon said more than 90 percent of Pakistan’s agriculture relies on river water, while 21 major hydropower projects are linked to the Indus River system. She added that nearly the entire population of Pakistan depends directly or indirectly on the Indus Basin for agriculture, drinking water and economic activity.
The Russian expert cautioned that India’s construction of upstream dams could increase regional instability. She accused New Delhi of attempting to use water as a political weapon, warning that unilateral actions undermine confidence in international agreements and erode global trust.
She described the Permanent Indus Commission as an effective mechanism for resolving disputes and emphasized that preserving the Indus Waters Treaty is essential for maintaining peace and stability in South Asia.
Attaullah Tarar Warns Against Any Attempt to Stop Pakistan’s Water
Addressing the same seminar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the Indus Waters Treaty, saying the agreement remains one of the world’s most enduring water-sharing arrangements.
“We are not merely discussing a treaty, but the lifeline of 240 million people,” Tarar said.
He stressed that water is not only a natural resource but also a matter of national survival for Pakistan, adding that the country’s agriculture and economy are fundamentally dependent on the Indus River system.
The minister warned that any attempt to stop or divert Pakistan’s water would receive an effective response from the country’s leadership.
Tarar said Pakistan has consistently upheld international agreements and remained committed to peaceful dialogue, noting that the treaty was established through mutual consent between the two countries in 1960.
He emphasized that any amendment or termination of the treaty can only occur through mutual agreement, adding that unilateral suspension has damaged India’s credibility at international forums.
India Suspended Treaty After April 2025 Attack
India placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the killing of 26 people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in April 2025. New Delhi accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack, an allegation Islamabad rejected.
The dispute escalated into an 87-hour military confrontation in May 2025 before a ceasefire was reached with US mediation.
Pakistan has maintained that the Indus Waters Treaty remains legally binding and has repeatedly stated that any attempt to weaponize water threatens regional peace and violates international legal obligations.
