In April 2025, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply following a deadly attack in Kashmir. In response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) — a 1960 agreement that governs the shared rivers between the two nations.
Under the IWT, India controls the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), while Pakistan relies heavily on the western ones (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) for agriculture, energy, and drinking water. India’s move to halt cooperation is seen by Pakistan as a serious threat to its water security.
Pakistan has condemned the action as “water aggression” and raised the issue with international bodies, warning of dire consequences if water flows are manipulated. Experts fear that this dispute could turn into a broader environmental and humanitarian crisis.
The international community, including the United Nations, has urged both nations to de-escalate and return to dialogue. With climate change already straining water resources, any disruption could have long-term impacts on millions in the region.
This water conflict is no longer just a bilateral issue — it’s a global concern demanding immediate diplomatic attention.
