Thu Apr 24 12:40:00 UTC 2025: ## India’s Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty Leaves Pakistan Scrambling
**New Delhi/Islamabad** – Following a recent terrorist attack in Pulwama, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, sparking outrage and retaliatory measures from Pakistan. The move, which threatens water supplies to a significant portion of Pakistan’s population, has seen Pakistan close its airspace and Wagah border, and suspend the Shimla Agreement.
Pakistan’s former High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, reacted strongly, claiming India lacks the infrastructure to effectively halt water flow and suggesting China could retaliate by restricting water from rivers flowing into India. He even issued a veiled threat of war if Pakistan’s water supply is cut off. However, experts dispute Basit’s claims, pointing to several existing and under-construction Indian dams on rivers that feed into the Indus system, including the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, the Ratle Dam (near completion), and the Salal, Uhl, Kishanganga, and Nimoo Bazgo dams. These dams demonstrate India’s capacity to control water flow to Pakistan.
While Pakistan seeks support from China, analysts note that improving Indo-Chinese relations reduce the likelihood of China intervening on Pakistan’s behalf. Pakistan’s threats are largely considered hollow given India’s existing infrastructure and the improving relationship between India and China. The situation remains tense, highlighting the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
First Piper 