Indus Water Treaty
Indus Water Treaty

India Will Never Restore the Indus Water Treaty

In a significant announcement that could reshape regional geopolitics, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that India will never restore the Indus Water Treaty. This declaration, made during a public address in Rajasthan, marks a dramatic departure from India’s decades-long commitment to the treaty. With this decision, India has clearly signaled a new and assertive approach to water diplomacy, national security, and bilateral relations with Pakistan.

What is the Indus Water Treaty?

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, with the mediation of the World Bank. The treaty provided a framework for the peaceful sharing of the Indus River system. According to the agreement, India was given exclusive rights over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan was allotted the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. Despite several wars and continued tensions between the two countries, the treaty endured for over six decades and was often praised as a model of successful conflict resolution in water sharing.

The Catalyst: Terror Attacks and Rising Tensions

India’s decision to put an end to the Indus Water Treaty comes against the backdrop of increasing hostilities, particularly the recent Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 Indian civilians lost their lives. India has long accused Pakistan of harboring and supporting terrorist activities. Following the attack, the Indian government placed the treaty “in abeyance” in April 2025. Now, Amit Shah’s categorical statement confirms that India will permanently end its participation in the treaty. This announcement reflects growing frustration within India over Pakistan’s inaction on cross-border terrorism.

Amit Shah’s Statement and What It Means

During his speech in Rajasthan, Amit Shah stated,

“We will never restore the Indus Water Treaty. The water that rightfully belongs to Indian farmers will not be allowed to flow into Pakistan anymore.”

He also announced that India is constructing a comprehensive canal network to divert the waters from the Indus and its tributaries into Indian states, particularly Rajasthan, which faces acute water shortages. This is a bold policy move, aligning with India’s strategic interests and internal development priorities

Infrastructure Projects to Redirect Indus Water

To implement this new water policy, the Indian government has launched an ambitious set of infrastructure projects. India plans to revive the Ujh Multipurpose Project in Jammu & Kashmir. It will also build a 113-kilometer canal system. This canal will carry water from the Chenab River. It will link to the Ravi-Beas-Sutlej system. In three years, Indus River water may reach dry areas. These include Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh in Rajasthan. The goal is better use of India’s water share. It also sends a clear message to Pakistan.

Regional and Global Implications

The decision to abandon the treaty is expected to have significant geopolitical consequences. The western rivers—Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum—are critical to Pakistan’s agriculture and water supply, supporting nearly 80% of its irrigation. Pakistan has already raised concerns and may approach international forums, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Environmentalists warn that sudden shifts in river flows could have long-term effects on ecosystems in both countries. From a legal perspective, while India is entitled to utilize a larger share of these waters under the treaty’s provisions, the complete suspension could be viewed as a breach of international norms, depending on interpretation.

Strategic Use of Water as a Tool

Analysts say India’s latest move marks a major shift. Water is now seen as a strategic resource. It may also be used as a tool for diplomacy or pressure. India plans to use its full share of river waters. This will boost irrigation at home. It will help farmers and agriculture. It also cuts reliance on monsoon rains. This is vital for dry states. The government also intends to use this move as leverage against cross-border terrorism. This could establish a precedent for other global disputes where shared resources are used as a bargaining chip in conflict resolution.

Domestic Impact and Political Response

Domestically, the decision has been met with approval, especially from farmers in drought-prone regions like Rajasthan and Punjab. Redirecting water that was previously flowing unused into Pakistan toward Indian fields will provide significant agricultural and economic benefits. It also strengthens the government’s image as decisive and nationalist, reinforcing its focus on national security, self-reliance, and internal development. Politically, it boosts the ruling party’s standing among rural voters and those affected by water shortages.

Conclusion: End of an Era

Amit Shah’s declaration that “India will never restore the Indus Water Treaty” is more than just a policy shift—it marks the end of a historic era of water cooperation between two hostile neighbors. This bold decision represents India’s growing assertiveness on matters of national interest, especially in the face of terrorism. With infrastructure projects already underway and timelines set for water diversion, the government is moving quickly to implement its vision. While the full consequences—diplomatic, environmental, and strategic—are yet to unfold, one thing is clear: India has opened a new chapter in South Asian water diplomacy.

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