India Cannot Unilaterally Suspend WB-Guaranteed Indus Waters Treaty: Experts
APP
Peshawar: Former diplomats and international relations experts reaffirmed Saturday that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) — a historic water-sharing agreement between Pakistan and India — cannot be unilaterally suspended or revoked by either party.
The experts emphasized that the IWT is an internationally binding accord, brokered and guaranteed by the World Bank (WB).
Signed in 1960, the treaty allocates the waters of the six rivers of the Indus Basin between the two neighboring countries. Under its provisions, India controls the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — while Pakistan holds rights over the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
“The IWT is a historic treaty signed by Pakistan and India and guaranteed by the World Bank. There is no provision for its unilateral suspension or termination,” said Manzoorul Haq, former ambassador, in an interview with APP.
“India has no authority to terminate or suspend the IWT on its own. Any such illegal move would not only constitute a breach of international law but also damage India’s global credibility and could be interpreted as an act of aggression against Pakistan,” he warned.
Manzoorul Haq highlighted the treaty’s resilience, noting that it had survived multiple conflicts, including three wars between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, testifying to its robustness and international legitimacy.
“Despite geopolitical tensions, the IWT has remained intact, making it one of the world’s most enduring examples of transboundary water cooperation,” he said.
However, he criticized India’s construction of several dams and hydroelectric projects on the western rivers in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), arguing that these projects have negatively impacted Pakistan’s water flow and violate the spirit of the treaty.
Professor Dr. Adnan Sarwar Khan, former Chairman of the International Relations Department at the University of Peshawar, also underscored the treaty’s historical and legal significance.
“The IWT emerged out of necessity after the Partition of British India in 1947, when disputes over water rights escalated due to the geographical division of river headworks,” he explained.
He noted that the World Bank mediated negotiations between the two countries, leading to this landmark treaty, which continues to provide a legal framework for the water security of millions of people.
“The Indus is not just a river; it is an identity — the lifeline for millions, supporting agriculture, livelihoods, and ecosystems in both Pakistan and India,” Dr. Sarwar remarked.
He cautioned that any unilateral withdrawal or suspension of the treaty would trigger international arbitration and a potential diplomatic backlash, emphasizing that “this isn’t merely a bilateral matter; it is a question of international law.”
Dr. Sarwar also expressed concerns that new dam projects in Kashmir, particularly on the western rivers, could grant India strategic control over water resources during times of conflict or drought, jeopardizing Pakistan’s agriculture and water security.
Both experts agreed that the IWT remains a rare success story in regional cooperation and continues to be critical for maintaining peace and stability in South Asia. They warned that politicizing the treaty could have dangerous consequences.
They further cautioned that any unilateral suspension by India could be considered an act of war, escalating tensions and potentially sparking conflict between two nuclear-armed nations — a scenario with catastrophic implications for South Asia.
Blaming the “negative policies of the fascist Modi government,” they said that peace in South Asia is at risk and warned that another war could be disastrous for the entire region.
The experts urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to exert pressure on India to resolve the longstanding Kashmir dispute, calling it essential for achieving durable peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.
