In a dramatic escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, India has officially cut off water flow to Pakistan from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and is preparing to reduce runoff from the Kishanganga project on the Jhelum River. This move is in line with India's recent assertion that it will not allow “a single drop” of water from the Indus River system to flow into Pakistan.

Following a week of extensive discussions and hydrological testing, India initiated de-silting operations at the Baglihar Dam and lowered its sluice gates, reducing downstream flow to Pakistan by as much as 90%. Officials from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) confirmed that similar measures are being planned for the Kishanganga Dam as well.

This decision comes just hours after Pakistan conducted a test of its surface-to-surface ballistic missile on Saturday, an action that heightened already rising tensions between the two neighboring countries. In a further sign of escalating tensions, India has banned the docking of ships bearing the Pakistani flag at all ports within the country.

The water dispute, stemming from the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, has been a longstanding issue between India and Pakistan, with both countries accusing each other of violating the treaty's terms.