Indus Waters Treaty

Current Context: India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on tourists, where 26 people were killed by Pakistani terrorists. This marks the first suspension of the treaty since its signing in 1960.

Key Highlights:

• Decision: The suspension is effective immediately until Pakistan ceases supporting cross-border terrorism.
• Diplomatic Actions: India also took actions like closing the Attari border post, cancelling visas, and expelling Pakistani personnel.
• Water Usage: India can now fully control water from the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) and stop sharing water flow data with Pakistan.
• Implications: India may create reservoirs on these rivers and stop visits by Pakistani officials to Indian hydropower projects like Kishenganga and Ratle.
• Background on IWT: The IWT, signed in 1960, allocates waters from the Indus River system, with India having unrestricted access to the Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi) and Pakistan to the Western Rivers.