After Pahalgam
The Pahalgam Attack and Its Aftermath: A
Turning Point in India’s Water Policy
Towards Pakistan?
Mahik Naz
Key words:
• Pahalgam Attack 2025
• Indus Waters Treaty
• India-Pakistan Relations
• Water as Strategic Leverage
• Militarized Kashmir
• Security Failure
• Suspension of Indus Treaty
The Pahalgam attack of April 2025 has shocked the entire region. A militant assault in the heavily
secured Baisaran Valley forced India to rethink not only its security policies but also its overall
stance toward Pakistan. However, many questions have been raised by the public. Since Pahalgam
is a highly militarized zone, people are questioning how such an attack could happen so easily.
Some claim it was a major security lapse, while others suggest the attack might have been
politically motivated. In this tense environment, India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters
Treaty (IWT) has gained major attention, with many seeing it as a significant shift in regional
dynamics.
Signed in 1960 with World Bank assistance, the Indus Waters Treaty has been one of the most
successful examples of international water cooperation. It divided control over the Indus river
system between India and Pakistan, allowing India rights over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas,
Sutlej) and Pakistan rights over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). Even during wars and
diplomatic stand-offs, both countries honored the agreement. However, after the Pahalgam
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incident, India signaled that maintaining normal treaties with a “sponsor of terror” was no longer
acceptable.
By suspending the treaty, India is now treating water as a tool of strategic pressure. Officials are
proposing ways to fully utilize India’s share of the rivers and restrict excess flows to Pakistan.
Some experts argue that India might even maximize non-consumptive uses, like hydroelectric
projects, on western rivers — still within treaty limits but putting new pressure on Pakistan. This
represents a major policy change, where water, once treated separately from conflict, is now being
linked to national security.
For Pakistan, this move is extremely concerning. Its economy and agriculture are heavily
dependent on the Indus basin. Any disruption could worsen its already serious water shortages and
economic problems. Pakistani officials have called the suspension a “violation” and warned of
raising the issue at international forums like the UN and the World Bank.
At the same time, India’s decision carries risks. The Indus Waters Treaty was seen globally as a
rare success between hostile neighbors. Suspending it could draw international criticism and
possibly legal challenges. Also, building the infrastructure needed to fully divert and utilize India’s
share of river water will require years of effort and massive funding.
In conclusion, the Pahalgam attack has clearly marked a new phase in India-Pakistan relations.
Water, which was kept separate from politics for over six decades, has now become a strategic
weapon. Whether this move strengthens India’s position, weakens Pakistan’s stability, or leads to
bigger conflicts remains to be seen. What is certain is that after Pahalgam, the idea of keeping
politics and rivers apart may no longer be possible.
References
1. Reuters. (2025). India suspends Indus Waters Treaty after deadly Pahalgam attack.
Retrieved from: https://www.reuters.com/world/india-suspends-indus-waters-treatypahalgam-attack-2025-04-24/
2. BBC News. (2025). Pahalgam Attack: Questions arise over security failures in militarized
Kashmir region. Retrieved from: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-pahalgamattack-2025
3. Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. (2025). Official Statement on Indus
Waters Treaty Suspension. Retrieved from: https://www.mea.gov.in/pressreleases.htm?dtl/37890/Indus_Waters_Treaty_Suspension_After_Pahalgam
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4. The Hindu. (2025). Indus Waters Treaty: Strategic Shift in India’s Water Policy PostPahalgam. Retrieved from: https://www.thehindu.com/news/indus-waters-treaty-pahalgampolicy-change-2025
The Pahalgam Attack and Its Aftermath: A Turning Point in India’s Water Policy Towards Pakistan?
The Pahalgam attack of April 2025 has shocked the entire region. A militant assault in the heavily
secured Baisaran Valley forced India to rethink not only its security policies but also its overall
stance toward Pakistan. However, many questions have been raised by the public. Since Pahalgam
is a highly militarized zone, people are questioning how such an attack could happen so easily.
Some claim it was a major security lapse, while others suggest the attack might have been
politically motivated. In this tense environment, India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters
Treaty (IWT) has gained major attention, with many seeing it as a significant shift in regional
dynamics.
Mahik Naz