India Eyes Indus River Control Amid Tensions With Pakistan

India is planning to take measures to stop Pakistan from getting water from the Indus River.

Water turns political after deadly Kashmir attack:

India alleged Pakistan was involved in the Pahalgam attack. On the basis of the baseless and evidence-free allegation, India broke the long-run Indus Water Treaty. Pakistan, however, demanded evidence from India to affirm its allegation, but India denied providing it. Pakistan has clearly said that Pakistan is not involved in the Pahalgam attack. In fact, it happens due to Indian politics.

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India halts historic water treaty:

India claimed that the step to block the Indus River for Pakistan was a retaliatory move against the  Pahalgam attack. Though, India and Pakistan were bound for several years in an Indus Water Treaty. India’s move signals a serious shift in its regional strategy.

Plans to divert more water:

India is now planning to extend the Ranbir Canal, which draws water from the Chenab River, one of the western rivers reserved for Pakistan under the treaty. This upgrade would increase water diversion from 40 to 150 cubic meters per second. This is a massive change that could lower the water available downstream in Pakistan. India is also planning new dams and hydropower plants on the same rivers.

Pakistan raises alarm over ‘Act of War’:

Pakistan has labeled India’s actions as dangerous and warned that disrupting water flow could be seen as an “act of war.” The Indus River is vital to Pakistan’s agriculture, which supports most of its rural population and powers a significant part of its electricity grid through hydroelectric dams. Any cut in water supply could trigger serious food and energy shortages in the country.

Global concerns grow over rising tensions:

The international diplomats and observers said the situation between Pakistan and India may worsen the regional situation. This is the first time India has suspended participation in the treaty since it was signed. The move raises deep concerns about the future of water-sharing in the region and the role of diplomacy in easing tensions between the two neighbors.