Following a tense military engagement, India and Pakistan are now battling over water rights, jeopardizing a vital water-sharing agreement essential for millions. India's recent decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty "in abeyance" raises concerns over how this might impact both nations.
Water Conflict Escalates Between India and Pakistan Following Military Tensions
Water Conflict Escalates Between India and Pakistan Following Military Tensions
As India and Pakistan enter a new phase of conflict over water resources, the integrity of a crucial treaty faces threats amidst military disturbances.
As military skirmishes quiet down between India and Pakistan, a new front in their enduring conflict is emerging—water resources. This month saw a significant military escalation that was temporarily paused, but the diplomatic standoff has shifted focus to a vital water-sharing treaty, the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the allocation of water from rivers flowing from India into Pakistan.
The situation escalated after a deadly terrorist attack in April that left 26 people dead on the Indian side of Kashmir, leading India to suspend its obligations outlined in the treaty. India’s government, linking the attack to Pakistan, declared it would halt its commitments until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably" renounced its support for cross-border terrorism. In response, Pakistan condemned the suspension as an "act of war."
However, experts indicate that the implications of India's decision extend beyond reacting to terrorism. Analysts suggest that India has long perceived the 65-year-old treaty as biased toward Pakistan. By exercising leverage over water resources, India aims to compel Pakistan to rework the treaty, potentially allowing for more extensive use of water to address its burgeoning population and the effects of climate change.
Despite survival through decades of conflict and hostility, the future of the Indus Waters Treaty remains precarious with India's vague conditions for resuming its commitments. A complete breakdown of the treaty could prove disastrous, especially for Pakistan, which depends heavily on the waters to sustain its largely arid regions. As tensions heighten, the stakes for both nations continue to rise, casting uncertainty over a vital resource that is crucial for millions.
