Tensions between India and Pakistan continue to cast a shadow over the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing agreement, even after the two nations agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday following days of intense cross-border clashes, according to four senior officials familiar with the matter.
The treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, governs the allocation of water from the Indus River and its tributaries, a vital resource for both countries. The agreement ensures a steady supply of water for agriculture, supporting roughly 80% of Pakistan’s farmlands and sustaining communities in northern India.
Last month, India announced its withdrawal from the treaty, citing a violent attack on Hindu tourists in Kashmir, which New Delhi alleges was orchestrated with support from Pakistan. Islamabad has firmly denied any involvement in the incident and warned of pursuing international legal recourse to challenge India’s suspension of the treaty.
A high-ranking official from Pakistan’s water ministry, speaking anonymously, clarified that the recent ceasefire negotiations did not address the status of the Indus Waters Treaty. Similarly, an Indian government source confirmed that New Delhi has not altered its position on the treaty’s suspension.
The halt of the treaty is part of a broader set of retaliatory measures sparked by the Kashmir attack. Both nations have closed their land borders, suspended bilateral trade, and restricted most visa issuances for each other’s citizens. Two Indian officials stated that these measures, including those affecting trade and travel, will remain in effect despite the temporary de-escalation of hostilities.
Efforts to reach India’s foreign ministry and Pakistan’s water and information ministries for further comment were unsuccessful.
The ongoing suspension of the treaty raises concerns about the long-term implications for water security in the region, as both nations grapple with balancing diplomatic tensions and the shared need for sustainable water management.
