Tensions Between India and Pakistan Rise Following Terrorist Attack in Pahalgam: India Suspends Indus Water Treaty

KKN Gurugram Desk | The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, has significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, has led to a rapid deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries. In response to the attack, India has taken a stern step by suspending the Indus Water Treaty, a key agreement governing water-sharing between the two nations. This move is expected to have significant ramifications on both bilateral relations and the region’s water resources. However, Pakistan’s response to India’s decision, particularly regarding its controversial Cholistan Canal project, has raised eyebrows.

This article will delve into the events following the attack, India’s decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan’s reaction, and the broader implications for the region.

The Pahalgam Terrorist Attack and Its Aftermath

On April 25, 2025, a deadly terrorist attack took place in Pahalgam, a popular tourist town in Jammu & Kashmir. The attack, believed to be orchestrated by militants backed by Pakistan-based terrorist organizations, resulted in the tragic loss of 26 innocent civilian lives. The attack has not only heightened the security concerns in India but also triggered an immediate political and diplomatic response.

The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condemned the attack in the strongest terms. In a televised address, PM Modi vowed to take strong action against the perpetrators and ensure that justice is served. The attack has intensified the longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan, with India accusing Pakistan of providing sanctuary to terror groups that operate across the border.

India’s Response: Suspension of the Indus Water Treaty

In a significant and bold move, India announced the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), a 1960 agreement that governs the sharing of water from the Indus River system between India and Pakistan. The treaty has been a cornerstone of Indo-Pakistani relations for over six decades, despite the enduring tensions between the two nations.

The decision to suspend the treaty came after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, with India citing the increasing threat from cross-border terrorism as a reason for reevaluating the terms of the water-sharing agreement. The suspension of the treaty could have severe consequences for Pakistan, as it relies heavily on water from the Indus River system for its agricultural and industrial needs.

In his address to the nation, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that India would not allow any agreements to remain in place when they are being undermined by acts of terrorism. The suspension of the IWT marks a new chapter in the India-Pakistan water dispute, with far-reaching implications for both countries.

Pakistan’s Response: Suspension of the Cholistan Canal Project

In an unexpected twist, Pakistan’s government responded to India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty by halting its controversial Cholistan Canal project. This project, which was meant to provide irrigation water to the desert regions of Punjab, had been a point of contention between Pakistan’s provinces.

The Cholistan Canal project had faced significant opposition, particularly from the Sindh province, which raised concerns about the distribution of water resources. The Sindh People’s Party (PPP) and several political leaders in the Sindh region had been protesting against the project, claiming that it would divert vital water resources away from their region and worsen the already dire water scarcity situation in Sindh.

In a meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, both parties agreed to suspend the Cholistan Canal project until a resolution was reached through the Council of Common Interests (CCI), a constitutional body that addresses inter-provincial issues. Prime Minister Sharif, while addressing the media, stated that the project would not proceed without consensus among the provinces.

The Political and Economic Implications of the Suspension

India’s decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty is a bold step that is likely to have significant political, economic, and diplomatic repercussions. The treaty, which has been in place for over six decades, has been a key element of cooperation between India and Pakistan, despite the turbulent political relationship between the two countries. India’s suspension of the treaty highlights the increasing frustration with Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism and its failure to adhere to international norms.

The suspension of the treaty could potentially lead to water shortages in Pakistan, particularly in its agricultural heartlands. The Indus River system provides a large proportion of the water that Pakistan uses for irrigation, and any disruption to this supply could have dire consequences for the country’s economy. Pakistan’s decision to halt the Cholistan Canal project is seen as a defensive move, acknowledging that without access to water from India, the canal would be meaningless.

This situation also underscores the vulnerability of both countries’ water resources to political tensions. The Indus River, which flows through both countries, has long been a source of contention, and the suspension of the treaty may lead to further instability in the region. The ongoing water disputes could potentially become a larger issue in the context of rising population pressures, climate change, and regional competition for water.

Diplomatic Challenges and Regional Stability

The escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, coupled with the water disputes, present a serious challenge to regional stability. Diplomatic efforts to resolve these issues have so far been unsuccessful, and the latest developments are unlikely to ease the already strained relations between the two countries.

The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty has the potential to further isolate Pakistan on the international stage. Many countries, including those in the United Nations and the World Bank, have been involved in supporting the treaty as a key element of South Asian cooperation. India’s suspension of the treaty could lead to increased international pressure on Pakistan to address its role in supporting terrorism and to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing disputes.

The water-sharing issue is also a reminder of the fragility of resources in the region. The Indus River basin is one of the most vital water sources for both India and Pakistan, and the disruption of this source could have far-reaching consequences for both nations’ food security, economic stability, and social peace.

Looking Forward: Prospects for Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution

As tensions rise, it is clear that the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict requires more than just military responses. Diplomacy remains the most viable option for de-escalating the situation and preventing further conflicts. The international community has an important role to play in mediating these disputes and encouraging dialogue between India and Pakistan.

The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and the halting of the Cholistan Canal project represent just the latest episodes in the ongoing cycle of tension between the two countries. However, both India and Pakistan need to recognize that sustainable peace and stability in the region are only possible through cooperation, dialogue, and the responsible management of shared resources.

In the coming months, the world will be watching closely to see how both countries navigate this crisis. The future of the Indus Water Treaty, the water-sharing agreement, and the broader diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan will have long-lasting implications not only for the two nations but for the entire South Asian region.

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent suspension of the Indus Water Treaty by India have escalated tensions between India and Pakistan to new heights. The move has led to significant developments, including Pakistan’s decision to halt the Cholistan Canal project. The future of the Indus Water Treaty and the management of water resources in the region will remain a critical issue as both nations face the challenge of balancing their political differences with the practical need for cooperation on water sharing. As the situation unfolds, it is clear that diplomatic solutions will be essential to maintain peace and stability in the region.