Pakistan has formally appealed to India to reverse its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling the move "unilateral and illegal" and warning that it could trigger a severe water crisis for millions. In a letter to India's Jal Shakti Ministry, Pakistan's Ministry of Water Resources emphasised the treaty's significance for its agriculture and economy and urged the resumption of river flows into Pakistani territory.
India suspended the 1960 agreement in April 2025 as a retaliatory measure following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-backed groups. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has insisted that any reconsideration of the suspension depends on Pakistan taking “credible and irreversible” steps to curb cross-border terrorism. India has also rejected Pakistan's claim that the move is illegal, citing a "change in circumstances" due to Islamabad's continued support for terror activities. The government maintains that "blood and water cannot flow together."
Despite Islamabad’s willingness—for the first time—to discuss the treaty's terms, India has shown no indication of backing down. The suspension has already disrupted water flows downstream, with serious implications for Pakistan’s sowing season, as India has stopped sharing water data and coordinating reservoir operations.