The Water Turnaround: India Ends Indus Treaty Flow, Prioritizes National Interest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a historic change in India’s water policy, declaring that water which once flowed out of the country will now be used exclusively for India’s benefit. This follows the government’s suspension of the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a move triggered by the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Key Highlights

India has officially paused the Indus Waters Treaty for the first time since its signing in 1960, citing national interest and security concerns after the Pahalgam attack.

Modi, without directly naming Pakistan, said India’s rightful share of water will no longer flow outside the country but will be retained and used domestically.

The government has partially shut the Baglihar and Salal dams on the Chenab River, restricting water flow to Pakistan as a strategic response.

Modi criticized previous governments for delaying major reforms, emphasizing that India must put national interest first and move beyond a GDP-centric approach to focus on empowering its people.

The Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing river-linking projects to maximize water resources for Indian farmers and promote national unity.

This marks a significant escalation in India’s stance, signaling a readiness to use water as a diplomatic tool amid heightened tensions with Pakistan.

Sources: The Economic Times, BBC, Times of India, Business Today, News18, India Today