HM Shah has also asked the chief ministers of all the states to identify all Pakistani nationals in their respective states, directing them to ensure their prompt return.
India sends formal notice to Pak for treaty amendment The Indian government has officially informed Pakistan about the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty 1960. Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Debashree Mukherjee, conveyed the decision in a letter addressed to Syed Ali Murtaza, her counterpart in Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources.
#WATCH | India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack
Visuals from the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project built on the Chenab River in Ramban, J&K pic.twitter.com/3qVBRiuzYz– years (@ani) April 25, 2025
The communication invoked Article XII (3) of the treaty, stating that “fundamental changes in the circumstances that have taken place since the Treaty was executed that require a reassessment of obligations under the various Articles of the Treaty, read with its Annexures.”
The letter also emphasised shifts in population, the increasing need for clean energy, and evolving conditions around water usage.
Terrorism cited as major breach
The Indian government’s notice further linked the decision to national security concerns and the cross border terrorism that happens from Pak’s soil.
Read more: Pahalgam Terror Attack Live: Row over strike can lead to ‘all-out war’ between India, Pak, says Khawaja Asif
“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,” it stated.
The letter added that the security uncertainties have directly impeded India’s full utilisation of its rights under the Treaty.
India also accused Pakistan of refusing to participate in bilateral negotiations, calling it as a “breach of the Treaty”. Henceforth, placing it under abeyance with immediate effect.
Pakistan calls it “Act of War”
Responding to India’s decision, Pakistan called it as an “act of war” citing that millions of people are dependent on the river water.
“Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparians will be considered as an act of war,” a statement read by Pakistan’s National Security Committee, led by PM Shehbaz Sharif.
Read more: Row over Pahalgam terror attack can lead to ‘all-out war’ between New Delhi and Islamabad, says Pak Minister
Pakistan’s deputy PM and foreign minister Ishaq Dar, said, “240 million people in Pakistan need water. You cannot stop it. It is tantamount to an act of war. Any suspension or encroachment won’t be accepted.” He warned India of severe consequences and stated that Pakistan would issue a “tit-for-tat” response to “India’s aggression.”
Decision by Cabinet Committee on Security
The move follows the decision taken at the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by PM Modi, and attended by HM Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and EAM S Jaishankar, on on April 23.
What is the Indus Waters Treaty 1960?
The Indus Waters treaty governs the distribution of six rivers in the Indus basin. Under the agreement, the three eastern rivers – Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, were allocated to India, while Pakistan received rights over the western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
The World Bank has played a key role, by being a signatory and mediator in facilitating the 1960 treaty after nine years of negotiations between the two countries. Despite numerous conflicts, the treaty has been viewed as a rare example of enduring cooperation between India and Pakistan.
Read more: Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar calls Pahalgam attackers ‘freedom fighters’
