What drove India to the drastic, never-used Indus water option? Indian Embassy in Washington reveals the reason

Time of India

25-04-2025

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The Indian Embassy in Washington just explained the reason why India made the drastic, hitherto-unexplored, unanticipated water move, giving a peek into the govt's hardening, winner-take-all stance on Pakistan, revealing the proverbial last straw that broke the camel's back.It is worth noting here that the Indus Water Treaty , signed in 1960, had survived three bloody wars between the two neighbours and arch-enemies.Explaining India's big decision taken following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam , the Indian Embassy in Washington said that the compact was established with intentions of goodwill and friendship. It pointed out that Pakistan's backing of state-sponsored terrorism has significantly undermined this goodwill.In a statement made via a post on X, the Indian Embassy addressed media inquiries about the suspension of the treaty, explaining why India can't be expected to keep cooperating with a country like Pakistan. It posted, "The Indus Water Treaty was concluded by India with Pakistan in a spirit of goodwill and friendship in 1960."The statement further emphasised, "Pakistan, through its well-documented, state-sponsored terrorism directed against India, has corroded this spirit. India cannot be expected to continue to cooperate with a country which is responsible for killing innocent civilians."In response to the tragic events in Pahalgam, the Ministry of External Affairs of India declared several robust measures, including the immediate suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. This suspension will remain in effect until Pakistan can provide credible and irreversible assurances that it will renounce its support for cross-border terrorism.The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations facilitated by the World Bank, has been recognised as one of the most effective international agreements. It has survived numerous tensions and conflicts, providing a vital framework for irrigation and hydropower development for over 50 years. Former World Bank President Eugene Black was instrumental in initiating these discussions.Dwight Eisenhower, a former President of the United States, famously referred to the treaty as "one bright spot ... in a very depressing world picture that we see so often." The agreement designates the Western Rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan, while the Eastern Rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—are allocated to India. Importantly, the treaty also permits both nations to utilise certain aspects of the rivers assigned to the other party. Specifically, India is allocated 20 percent of the water from the Indus River System, with Pakistan receiving the remaining 80 per cent.