ZODIACLOG
Date: April 24, 2025Reuters
In a significant escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, Islamabad has declared that any attempt by India to halt the flow of Indus River waters will be considered an “act of war.” This warning follows India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.Wikipedia
India’s Response to Pahalgam Attack
On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Indian citizens and one Nepalese tourist. The militant group Kashmir Resistance, reportedly linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, claimed responsibility for the assault. In retaliation, India suspended the IWT, a water-sharing agreement in place since 1960, and took additional measures such as expelling Pakistani diplomats and closing the Attari-Wagah border crossing. Politico+2Latest news & breaking headlines+2AP News+2AP News+7Wikipedia+7Reuters+7
Pakistan’s ReactionWikipedia+3AP News+3Reuters+3
Pakistan’s leadership condemned India’s suspension of the treaty, emphasizing the country’s heavy reliance on the Indus River system for agriculture and hydropower. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office labeled the move as a potential act of war, highlighting the severe economic and food security implications for Pakistan. Reuters+1Wikipedia+1
Background on the Indus Waters TreatyReuters+1Wikipedia+1
The IWT, brokered by the World Bank, allocates control over six rivers in the Indus basin between India and Pakistan. India manages the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi), while Pakistan oversees the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). Despite previous conflicts, the treaty has remained intact for over six decades. Wikipedia+2Reuters+2Wikipedia+2
International ConcernsLatest news & breaking headlines
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Observers warn that the suspension of the IWT could destabilize the region further, especially given the treaty’s role in preventing water-related conflicts since its inception. Politico+2AP News+2AP News+2
ConclusionWikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty marks a critical juncture in India-Pakistan relations. As both nations navigate the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the potential for further escalation looms, with water resources now at the center of the geopolitical dispute.AP News+5Reuters+5Wikipedia+5
