Despite Pakistan’s repeated requests to lift the suspension placed on the historic 1960 agreement, India’s stance on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has not changed. Pakistan has sent four letters since April 23, 2025, but Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil has flatly rejected them as pointless formalities that won’t change India’s position.
Despite Pakistan’s repeated requests, he emphasized that the decision to suspend the treaty was made in the country’s best interests and would not be reviewed. In an indication that India has no plans to change its decision at this time, Patil promised that “the water under the Indus Waters Treaty is not going anywhere.”
Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, the treaty was suspended. In retaliation, India suspended trade with Pakistan, put the IWT on hold, and began Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist camps in areas under Pakistani control. Before a mutual halt to hostilities was reached, these actions set off days of cross-border clashes.
In response, Pakistan’s leadership—especially Bilawal Bhutto of the Pakistan Peoples Party—has used forceful rhetoric to threaten war if India refuses to give Pakistan its “rightful share” of water as stipulated in the treaty. Patil rejected Bhutto’s remarks as politically motivated and meaningless threats, citing references to “blood and water flowing” and threats of retaliation. Patil reaffirmed that India is unfazed by such rhetoric and that India’s interests will always come first in treaty decisions.
India has officially asked for a halt in World Bank-mediated proceedings concerning the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects, in addition to the diplomatic impasse. The neutral expert appointed by the World Bank has been asked by the Indian government to halt the agreed-upon work program, which includes Pakistan’s written submissions and joint discussions that are planned for later this year. This request has not yet received a response from the World Bank.
According to reports, India is trying to repurpose water that was previously allotted to Pakistan under the IWT for use in Indian states like Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. According to reports, the Jal Shakti Ministry is accelerating infrastructure projects to guarantee that India uses this water to its fullest potential.
The Indian government has stated unequivocally that it will not be swayed by Pakistan’s threats and diplomatic attempts to maintain the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The government claims that any future decisions will be made exclusively in India’s best interests, and the current policy is motivated by national security concerns as well as a more comprehensive plan to combat cross-border terrorism.
