India’s reckless suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is not just a provocation — it’s an assault on regional stability and a blatant violation of international norms. The IWT, signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, has been a cornerstone of water-sharing between India and Pakistan, surviving multiple conflicts over the decades.
Under Article XII(3) of the treaty, any modifications require a duly ratified agreement between both nations. India’s move to suspend the treaty not only defies international law but also forcefully undermines the trust and legitimacy of binding global agreements.
This isn’t just about rivers and treaties — it’s about people. Nearly 80% of Pakistan’s farmland depends on the Indus waters to grow the food that fills their homes. Cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Multan rely on it to quench their thirst and power their lights.
If that lifeline is disrupted, it’s not just crops that will wither — it’s the lives of millions of families, the stability of entire communities, and the future of a nation already going through challenging times. Pushing a nuclear-armed nation of 220 million to the edge won’t come without consequences — not for Pakistan, and certainly not for India.
The international community must take serious note of a powerful warning shared by China’s Minister of Water Resources: “If India can weaponize water to blackmail its neighbors for political gain, why can’t we? It’s time to craft a clear water policy and take strategic steps to safeguard our own interests.”
India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty—without evidence—has placed millions of Pakistani lives at risk by threatening their access to vital water sources. Pakistan has rightly condemned this as “water warfare,” and is pursuing legal and diplomatic channels. Now, the world—especially the World Bank—must act before this crisis spirals further.
