‘Will Ensure Pakistan Doesn’t Get A Single Drop Of Water’: Govt’s 3-Tier Plan Plan Over Indus Waters Treaty

The Union government is working on a plan to ensure that Pakistan does not receive water from the Indus River, following the pause of the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty. The government is devising a three-tier strategy to implement this decision, which includes short-term, mid-term, and long-term measures.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a crucial meeting on Friday, attended by Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil and senior officials from various ministries, to deliberate on the future course of action. Minister Paatil revealed, “We have started working on a three-pronged plan following the suggestions given by Amit Shah. The goal is clear – that Pakistan should not get a single drop of water.”

Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance

India’s decision to put the treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, in abeyance comes after Pakistan’s breach of its conditions, particularly its ongoing cross-border terrorism targeting Jammu and Kashmir. India’s Water Resources Secretary, Debashree Mukherjee, addressed her Pakistani counterpart in a letter stating that Pakistan’s actions were directly impeding India’s rights under the treaty. “The obligation to honour a treaty in good faith is fundamental to a treaty. However, what we have seen instead is sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” the letter read.

This bold decision follows a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The letter also cited security uncertainties as one of the reasons for the suspension, as they have hindered India’s ability to fully utilise its rights under the treaty.

In addition to suspending the treaty, India has taken several measures against Pakistan, including expelling Pakistani military attaches and shutting down the Attari land-transit post. These actions underline India’s strong stance, with the government making it clear that Pakistan has been formally informed of the decision.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs the distribution of water from the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. While India has exclusive rights to the eastern rivers—Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi—Pakistan controls the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. The treaty had long been viewed as a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, but ongoing tensions have now led to a critical reassessment of its future.

Pakistan has strongly opposed India’s suspension of the treaty, warning that any actions to stop the flow of water would be considered an 'act of war'.

(With PTI Inputs)

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