ISLAMABAD, April 24 (Alliance News): As India announced aggressive diplomatic measures against Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam attack, seasoned diplomats and analysts have warned that New Delhi cannot legally suspend or terminate the 1960 Indus Water Treaty — a move they say would violate international law and heighten regional tensions.
The announcement to suspend the water-sharing agreement, mediated by the World Bank and considered a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, came after at least 26 tourists were killed in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
India accused Pakistan of cross-border involvement, triggering a series of retaliatory steps including diplomatic staff cuts and the closure of the Attari-Wagah border.
Former Pakistani High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit told Geo News that India has no authority to unilaterally suspend or terminate the treaty.
“India cannot immediately stop Pakistan’s water,” he said, though he acknowledged that New Delhi could attempt adverse actions. He noted that with bilateral trade already suspended, the border closure has limited impact.
Echoing his concerns, PPP Senator and former ambassador Sherry Rehman said, “Treaties cannot be suspended or revoked unilaterally.”
She cited a similar allegation India made during US President Bill Clinton’s visit in 2000, which was later proven baseless. “This appears to be another false flag operation,” she added.
Former Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed went further, accusing India of using the Pahalgam incident as a pretext to pressure Pakistan.
“If India stops Pakistan’s water, it will be a violation of international law and tantamount to war,” he warned.
He emphasized the need to brief the United Nations and international stakeholders on India’s baseless accusations.
The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, allocates water from the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan.
Though it has survived multiple conflicts, it remains a point of contention, with Pakistan often accusing India of manipulating upstream flow to its disadvantage.
Analysts believe India’s latest rhetoric is part of a broader political strategy ahead of elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government under pressure to maintain its narrative of restoring peace and stability in IIOJK following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
