India reaffirms "abeyance" of Indus Waters Treaty amid sustained regional tensions
New Delhi, June 5
India on Friday reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in "abeyance" until Pakistan stops supporting cross-border terrorism.
Addressing the weekly media briefing, the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the 1960 water-sharing pact continues to be suspended following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. The decision to keep the treaty on hold follows the "Operation Sindoor" military action launched by India in May 2025, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in response to the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.
Speaking to the media, Jaiswal emphasised that the treaty would not be restored until there is a credible and irreversible cessation of Pakistan's support for cross-border terror activities. "The Indus Waters Treaty stands in abeyance in response to Pakistan's sponsorship of cross-border terrorism," Jaiswal stated, dismissing recent criticisms from Islamabad regarding India's hydroelectric projects on the Chenab and Beas rivers.
Responding to queries regarding comments from the Turkish Foreign Minister, Jaiswal maintained that India's international engagements are guided by its own foreign policy interests. Addressing concerns about countries maintaining relationships with Pakistan, Jaiswal affirmed that India's strategic autonomy remains paramount, stating, "All our international engagements have their own standing and importance."
The operational impact of this suspension is most visible at the Baglihar Dam in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir. More than a year after the treaty's suspension, the dam's gates continue to remain closed. This sustained measure, linked to the broader suspension of the IWT, highlights the shift in India's water management and hydroelectric strategy in the region.
The MEA also addressed ongoing legal disputes over the treaty. India has rejected the May 15, 2026, award by what it calls an "illegally constituted" Court of Arbitration on maximum pondage and treaty interpretation. New Delhi maintains it never recognised the court, and considers all its proceedings and decisions "null and void."
As the IWT enters its second year in abeyance, the situation underscores the hardening of India's diplomatic and strategic posture, linking regional stability and resource management directly to the issue of state-sponsored terrorism.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a complex issue. While I support strong action against terrorism, we need to think about the downstream impact on our farmers in Punjab and Sindh. Water is life, and we're also part of this river system. The government should ensure the Baglihar dam operations don't flood villages during monsoons. Hope they have a proper plan.
Two years since the suspension and they're still 'reviewing' the treaty? Either scrap it permanently or negotiate a new one. This limbo helps no one. Pakistan will keep crying, but our engineers need clear guidelines for hydro projects. The COA decision being rejected is good, but we need a long-term water security strategy for J&K.
Interesting move by India, but water treaties are hard to break permanently without conflict. Pakistan's population is ballooning and they rely heavily on these rivers. India needs to be careful - this could escalate into something bigger. The Pahalgam attack was tragic, but linking a 1960s treaty to modern terrorism seems like a stretch legally.
I'm from Punjab and I've seen how water politics works. Every drop of river water not going to Pakistan means more for our fields. The World Bank and US used to push us to follow the treaty, but now with new geopolitics, India can dictate terms. Operation Sindoor was brilliant - they should have done it years ago. #WaterForIndia
The Turkish FM's comments are irrelevant - Turkey has no business lecturing India on water or terrorism when they're allies with Pakistan. Our foreign policy should be independent. Also,
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