Overview

• India has formally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, removing its obligation to adhere to the terms governing river allocations to Pakistan.
• The treaty's suspension allows India to explore storage and diversion projects on the western rivers allocated to Pakistan, though implementation could take decades.
• Pakistan, which relies on the western rivers for 80% of its irrigation and 21% of its GDP, faces heightened risks of water shortages and agricultural collapse.
• Experts warn that large-scale storage or diversion projects would require unprecedented infrastructure, including decades of construction and vast land acquisition.
• The move has escalated geopolitical tensions, with Pakistan seeking third-party arbitration and international observers warning of severe humanitarian and environmental consequences.