By The Sampadak Express
In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan has formally reached out to India, urging a resumption of the Indus Waters Treaty, which New Delhi recently suspended in the wake of a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region.
According to reports, Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources sent a letter to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, requesting the restoration of river flows into Pakistani territory under the long standing 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. The appeal comes amid growing concerns in Islamabad that the treaty’s suspension could spark a national water crisis.
The move follows India’s unprecedented decision to place the World Bank-brokered agreement in abeyance, citing Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism. The April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 civilian lives mostly tourists was the tipping point for New Delhi, leading to a firm response backed by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first public address following the military’s swift Operation Sindoor, made the government’s stance clear:
“Water and blood cannot flow together. Terror and talks cannot happen at the same time. Terror and trade cannot happen simultaneously.”
Indian officials have reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty was built on mutual trust and peaceful cooperation, which they say Pakistan has repeatedly undermined through its use of terrorism as state policy.
Under the treaty, Pakistan receives water from the three western rivers Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab while India retains control of the eastern rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi. Historically, Pakistan has received about 70% of the water share, while India utilized the remaining 30%.
With the treaty now suspended, India is implementing a three-tier water management strategy short-term, mid-term, and long-term designed to fully harness its share of the river waters. Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil confirmed that steps are being taken to ensure “not a single drop of water leaves Indian territory unutilised.”
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal further stressed:
“The Indus Waters Treaty was founded on goodwill and friendship. Pakistan has trampled on these values by supporting cross-border terrorism for decades.”
High-level meetings are underway to finalise India’s next course of action. A key session this week is expected to bring together Home Minister Amit Shah, Water Resources Minister CR Paatil, Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with senior bureaucrats from relevant ministries. Two rounds of discussions have already been held since the suspension.
India has also indicated that dialogue with Pakistan will now be limited strictly to two points: a verifiable end to terrorism and the return of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
As tensions remain high, the future of the Indus Waters Treaty once hailed as a symbol of cooperation in a volatile region now hangs in the balance.
