📅 Published: June 24, 2025 | By TheQuickUpdate
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated once again after Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Pakistan’s former foreign minister, issued a direct threat of war in response to India’s recent move to put the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance.
Speaking passionately in Pakistan’s National Assembly on Monday, Bhutto warned that Islamabad would not tolerate what he termed as India’s “illegal suspension” of the historic water-sharing agreement.
“India Has Two Options”: Bilawal’s Threat
“India has two options: share water fairly or we will take action to ensure water reaches us from all six rivers,”
— Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Former FM of Pakistan
The reference is to the six rivers of the Indus River Basin: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — governed by the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank.
Bhutto called India’s actions “illegal under the UN Charter” and accused New Delhi of trying to “weaponize water” against Pakistan.
Also Read: Operation Sindoor
🧾 Background: Why Did India Suspend the Treaty?
India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently announced that the Indus Waters Treaty would remain suspended, in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 Indian lives.
“India will not resume water cooperation until Pakistan acts against terrorism,”
— Amit Shah, Home Minister
India has long accused Pakistan of sponsoring cross-border terrorism and is now reportedly reviewing strategic water controls on the Western rivers.
🌐 International Reaction & Legal Debate
According to legal experts, IWT is a binding treaty, and its unilateral suspension could lead to international arbitration, especially if Pakistan escalates the issue to the United Nations or ICJ.
However, Indian legal scholars argue that treaties cannot be enforced in the face of persistent hostilities and terrorism.
🧩 What is the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)?
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Signed in 1960 by India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank
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Allocated Eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and Western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan
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Aimed to ensure peaceful cooperation over shared water resources
FAQs on India-Pakistan Water Dispute
Q1: What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty is a 1960 water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank. It governs usage of six major rivers in the Indus basin.
Q2: Why did India suspend the treaty?
India suspended the treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, blaming Pakistan for sponsoring cross-border terrorism.
Q3: What did Bilawal Bhutto say?
Bhutto warned of war and called India’s move “illegal,” insisting that Pakistan will retaliate if its water rights are not upheld.
Q4: Can India legally revoke the IWT?
While technically a binding treaty, India can cite national security under international law, though doing so would attract global scrutiny.
Q5: How does the IWT impact Indian and Pakistani agriculture?
The treaty is crucial for Pakistan’s irrigation and India’s hydro projects. Its disruption could threaten both countries’ agriculture and power sectors.
