In a rare move amid strained bilateral ties, India has informed Pakistan about a potential major flood in the Tawi River at Jammu. This marks the first significant communication between the two countries under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) since their military standoff earlier this year.
According to official sources, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad contacted Pakistani authorities at 10 a.m. on August 24, providing advance warning about the possible flood situation. Acting on the information, Pakistan promptly issued alerts to relevant departments, enabling early preparedness and precautionary measures.
The communication is particularly notable as India had unilaterally suspended its participation in IWT-related engagements in April following the Pahalgam incident. Despite tensions, the exchange highlights the treaty’s continuing importance as a functional mechanism for water-sharing and disaster management between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Signed in 1960 with the World Bank’s mediation, the Indus Waters Treaty allocates the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas—to India, while granting Pakistan rights over the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. The agreement has long been regarded as one of the most durable water-sharing accords in the world, surviving wars and political hostilities.
Recently, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague sided with Pakistan in a dispute under the treaty, reaffirming that India’s unilateral measures cannot override IWT’s jurisdiction. The verdict strengthened Pakistan’s position and underscored the need for mutual compliance.
In response, Islamabad has called for renewed diplomatic engagement and the resumption of normal treaty operations. Officials argue that timely data sharing and cooperative flood management are crucial not only for disaster preparedness but also for building confidence in bilateral relations.
The latest communication, therefore, offers a rare opening for dialogue, even as both countries navigate deep political and security challenges.
