Water crisis between India and Pakistan: Indus Treaty back in the spotlight
Pakistan has warned India over the Indus Water Treaty after New Delhi suspended its participation following an attack it blamed on Pakistan-linked groups. Experts discuss the risks of further escalation.
Future of the Indus Water Treaty uncertain
India and Pakistan are once again at odds over water sharing, governed by the Indus Water Treaty signed in 1960. This treaty, which has survived decades of conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, has come under serious strain in recent weeks.
New Delhi announced the suspension of its participation in the treaty after an attack it attributed to armed groups linked to Pakistan. Pakistan denied the allegations. This week, Islamabad stated that India cannot unilaterally suspend the agreement, calling its share of the Indus River a "red line" and threatening consequences.
Expert analysis
A discussion on the situation featured three experts: Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of The Wire; Michael Kugelman, senior fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council; and Zeeshan Salahuddin, advisory director at Tabadlab. They examined how both countries could avoid further escalation.
The Indus Water Treaty is considered one of the most successful water-sharing mechanisms globally, but the current political tensions cast doubt on its sustainability. A breakdown of the agreement could have serious repercussions not only for both nations but for the entire South Asian region.
