India Declares End to Indus Waters Treaty, Sparks Diplomatic Row with Pakistan

In a highly provocative move, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has declared that the Indus Waters Treaty will “never be restored,” and that water flowing to Pakistan will now be diverted through canals to Rajasthan.

Speaking to the Times of India, Shah accused Pakistan of receiving Indus water “illegitimately,” claiming the Indian government would no longer allow it. This declaration has raised alarm in Pakistan, where the government and legal experts are preparing to challenge the move at the international level.

Under internationally recognized water laws, downstream countries have legal rights to river water. The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation, has been one of the few functional agreements between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Experts warn that any unilateral abrogation could trigger serious diplomatic and regional consequences.

Pakistan’s government has responded by calling India’s action a clear violation of international law and an act that could be perceived as war. The Punjab government in Pakistan is now exploring legal measures to counter India’s decision.

Tensions have escalated since India accused Pakistan of involvement in a deadly attack in Pahalgam, which Islamabad strongly denied, offering full transparency in investigations — a gesture India refused. Military clashes followed, eventually leading India to request U.S. mediation for a ceasefire.

This latest move signals a dangerous new phase in India-Pakistan relations, with water now becoming a weapon in geopolitical conflict.