The move marked a major policy shift, as India has traditionally upheld the treaty despite repeated provocations.
India-Pakistan Indus Water Treaty Latest News Today: As the diplomatic chill over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) deepens, India is moving ahead with ambitious plans to divert river waters from the Indus system for domestic use, signaling a new phase in its water strategy vis-à-vis Pakistan.
Sources confirmed that desilting work has commenced on several major reservoirs connected to the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus rivers, aimed at increasing hydroelectric storage capacities and maximising India’s share of water resources permitted under the IWT.
This follows India's decision to suspend the treaty after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which 26 civilians were killed by militants with alleged backing from across the border. The move marked a major policy shift, as India has traditionally upheld the treaty despite repeated provocations.
While Pakistan has since written three letters to India—offering to resume dialogue and resolve outstanding concerns under the treaty—India has made it clear that the time for talk is over, at least for now.
The current projects include increasing storage infrastructure and exploring new diversion channels, which are expected to reduce water flow to Pakistan in a legally permissible manner. Experts say this could have long-term economic and agricultural implications for Pakistan, which heavily depends on the Indus system.
India’s assertive stance underscores a broader strategic recalibration, with officials citing national security and resource sovereignty as key imperatives. “Water is a critical resource, and we must prioritise domestic needs, especially when cross-border terrorism remains unchecked,” a senior official noted.
With the Indus Waters Treaty now effectively on pause, regional watchers believe South Asia may be entering a new and uncertain chapter in hydro-diplomacy.
(For more news apart from India-Pakistan Indus Water Treaty Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
