Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) indefinitely, citing repeated violations of the treaty's guiding principles by Islamabad. Sources indicate that while non-kinetic measures such as diplomatic isolation and economic pressure will continue, kinetic options remain on the table should Pakistan initiate any form of aggression.
“The Indus Water Treaty will stay in abeyance. The DGMO-level talks have to go forward. 'Operation Sindoor' is still on. Non-kinetic measures stay in place. Kinetic measures are options we will exercise if Pakistan makes any moves to send drones or missiles, or any other form of aggression. Pakistan violated the preamble of the Indus Treaty, which says it is being done with goodwill and good neighbourliness,” India TV sources confirmed.
The treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, regulates water sharing between the two countries across six rivers of the Indus Basin. While Pakistan controls the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — India manages the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. The decision to keep the treaty in abeyance follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly of tourists.
India’s position has hardened since the attack. Officials say the suspension will remain until Pakistan "credibly and irreversibly" halts cross-border terrorism.
Precision Strikes Deep Inside Pakistan
The standoff reached new heights on May 9 and 10, when the Indian Air Force launched precision airstrikes on Pakistani military installations under ‘Operation Sindoor’. Among the targeted sites were the Rahimyar Khan airbase, whose runway was flattened, and PAF Base Nur Khan in Chaklala, which reportedly sustained severe damage. Sources described the operation as “hellfire,” highlighting its strategic intensity.
Tensions had been rising prior to the airstrikes. According to reports, India informed Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) on May 7 that it had hit terror infrastructure inside Pakistani territory. However, Islamabad remained silent until after the air raids. Only on May 10 at around 1:00 PM, did Pakistan's DGMO seek a conversation with the Indian counterpart.
US Mediation Attempt
The escalation drew international concern, prompting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to speak with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir. Following this, Rubio also reached out to Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, indicating Pakistan’s willingness for talks. India, however, insisted that any communication should occur strictly through military channels, particularly between the DGMOs.
No high-level dialogue has taken place between the National Security Advisors or Foreign Ministers of the two countries. Sources confirmed that diplomatic ties are currently limited to operational-level exchanges between their militaries.
Treaty Suspension Marks Diplomatic Shift
This is one of the most significant diplomatic escalations between India and Pakistan in recent years. The Indus Waters Treaty, considered one of the most durable water-sharing pacts globally, has withstood multiple wars and standoffs. However, India's move to suspend it signals a shift in policy — where security concerns now override traditional diplomatic conventions.
