India has declared that it will not reinstate the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, announcing plans to divert river water previously flowing into Pakistan for use within its own territory. The statement came from Indian Home Minister Amit Shah during a recent interview, where he affirmed that India intends to construct a canal to redirect the water to the state of Rajasthan.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, was designed to regulate the use of rivers originating in India that flow into Pakistan, ensuring Pakistan access to around 80% of its agricultural water. However, India suspended its participation in the treaty after an attack in occupied Kashmir claimed the lives of 26 people—a strike New Delhi attributes to terrorism. Pakistan has consistently denied any involvement.
Despite a recent ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following their most intense clashes in years, the treaty remains inactive. Asked about the possibility of restoring the agreement, Shah responded firmly, “No, it will never be restored.”
He elaborated that India would redirect the water to Rajasthan, asserting that Pakistan had been receiving this resource “unjustifiably.” His remarks, coming from one of the most influential figures in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet, have significantly diminished any prospects for renewed dialogue on the treaty.
Reports last month also indicated that India is planning to substantially increase its usage of river water that Pakistan relies on for farming, as part of a broader retaliatory strategy.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has yet to respond to the latest statement. However, it has previously asserted that the treaty does not allow for unilateral withdrawal and warned that any attempt to block water flowing into Pakistan would be regarded as an “act of war.”
Islamabad is reportedly considering a legal response under international law to challenge India’s suspension of the treaty.
