India Revives Kashmir Water Project After Indus Waters Treaty Suspension

New Delhi is moving forward with a long-delayed water management project in the Kashmir region, nine months after unilaterally suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan. This marks the first time India is proceeding with a project to manage water flow without Islamabad’s involvement since a brief armed conflict in May of the previous year.

Background of the Indus Waters Treaty

The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, allocated the waters of the Indus River system between India and Pakistan. India received rights to the eastern rivers – the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej – while Pakistan was allocated 80% of the water from the western rivers – the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab . The treaty has been remarkably durable, surviving two major wars between the two nations and serving as a model for trans-boundary water management.

Recent Developments and Suspension of the Treaty

In April 2025, India suspended the IWT following a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, accusing Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism – a charge Pakistan denies . Pakistan responded with reciprocal measures, warning that stopping the water flow would be considered an act of war. Despite the suspension, the treaty allows for certain uses of rivers allocated to the other country .

Resumption of the Stalled Project

The revived project in Kashmir represents a significant shift, allowing India to independently determine the flow of water. This move comes as India seeks to review and modify the treaty, citing changing needs related to irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower generation, particularly in light of climate change .

Past Disputes and Legal Avenues

Disputes over water sharing have occurred in the past, with Pakistan objecting to India’s hydropower and infrastructure projects, arguing they reduce river flows and violate the treaty. Both countries have pursued legal avenues under the treaty, with the World Bank acting as a mediator . Pakistan has expressed concerns about reduced flows in the Chenab River due to new diversion projects led by India, and alleges damage to the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower plant during Indian operations .

Allocation Details

The Indus Waters Treaty gives India 20% of the water from the Indus River System, with the remaining 80% allocated to Pakistan .

India’s Revived Project and Treaty Revocation

India is also set to revive a 1984 water project after revoking a pact with Pakistan .