Pakistan Panics Over India’s Abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty

On April 23, 2025, India publicly walked away from the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. In the aftermath of Pahalgam, India didn’t fire or exchange bullets across the LOC. It dropped a diplomatic bomb on Pakistan’s lap. The barbaric Pakistan-sponsored jihadist terror attack on the Hindu identity of tourists in Pahalgam had crossed Bharat’s moral bottom line. But this time, before any major military move, Bharat turned off the taps. What follows is not just a policy shift — it’s the beginning of a Water War.

Indus Water Treaty – A 63-Year Mistake Ends in 2025

India signed the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960 under the moderation of the World Bank. It gave away over 80% of Indus basin water to Pakistan. Thus, water from the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum went to this hostile neighbor. Meanwhile, India kept just 20% in the form of the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Even then, it barely used its full allotted share.

Pakistan used most of the water of the Indus basin to feed its farms while also feeding terror camps across the border.

For 63 years, India honored the treaty. The treaty stood through wars in 1965, 1971, and even Kargil. But in 2019, after Pulwama, Modi 2.0 sanctioned multiple dams on the Indus River system. It was perhaps in preparation for yesterday. After the 22nd April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, India’s goodwill and tolerance stood shattered. As per the Vienna Convention’s Article 62, India held the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance under the “fundamental change in circumstances” clause. A provoked Bharat has walked away to turn off Pakistan’s taps!

No water. No friendship. No treaty.

Water Wars 101: India Has the Dams, Pakistan Has the Deficit

The Indus Basin holds around 175 MAF (Million Acre Feet) of annual water flowing through it. India uses just 35 MAF of this while the ungrateful Pakistan enjoys 135 MAF. Thankfully, in preparation for a day of reconnaissance, India built its dams. 

Despite using less than the 20% assigned under the Indus Water Treaty, Bharat built dams, catchments, and reserve storage capacity.

Baglihar Dam can store 475 MCM on Chenab. The Salal Dam  The Kishanganga and Uri dams can store up to  MAF combined on Jhelum, even if Uri dams run on run-off water. Together they can withhold a potential of close to 7 MAF from Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Tarbela Dam holds just 6 of its 18 MAF capacity and Mangla holds 7.1 of 11.8 MAF. Thus, Pakistan runs on a 43% water deficit before India even acts. Pakistani netizens already lament about the lack of water. Imagine their soon-to-be state as India steps away from the Indus Water Treaty!  

Hydraulic Warfare: Starvation Without Shelling

Pakistan uses the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum to account for 80% of its agricultural water supply. Withholding water from these will create a 10-15% shortage. Additionally, stopping aqua access during sowing and releasing it during floods will break Pakistan’s agricultural backbone. If Bharat controls the cycle of water, it can potentially destroy Paki-economy!

The abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty is not just a Water War – It is a Diplomatic Siege!

India’s soft power just turned rock-hard! With the USA, Israel, Russia, and others supporting Bharat’s retaliation, Pakistan is shell-shocked. The Indus Water Basin is the jugular of Pakistan, and Bharat effectively turned it into a water trap! It is Karma via Catchment!!

No water means no crops, leading to famine, riots, and civil war. From Balochistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the cracks will widen. And Pakistan’s IMF-aided economy will collapse. The terror factory will turn into a dust bowl. Thus, Bharat’s adherence and tolerance in the Indus Water Treaty was Pakistan’s  

Bharat’s Next Steps: Strategic Strangulation

India must fast-track all dam projects on Chenab and Jhelum. The construction of dams, catchments, and reservoirs is under the consideration of international courts due to the Indus Water Treaty. However, the one-sided cancellation gives Bharat a chance to complete all these projects. India should complete the Sutlej-Yamuna Link to reclaim eastern waters. It should also tie up with Afghanistan to dam the Kabul and Kunar rivers to take away the control of 35 MAF from Pakistan.

Pakistan tried to bleed India with a thousand cuts – Now, India will choke Pakistan with a thousand valves.

Water is the new oil. And Pakistan did not develop a system to provide for its population. Pahalgam was the last straw on the camel’s back. Now, the Indus will flow – but with intent.

And Pakistan should be very, very afraid.