THE INDUS WATERS TREATY AND THE RIPPLE AFTER PAHALGAM

In the aftermath of the tragic attack on tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley this April, where lives were lost and the sense of calm in Kashmir was once again shaken, the Indian government has signaled a dramatic shift in its long-held diplomatic approach.

- AIYAN GULZAR

Among the ripples of security upgrades and public mourning, one surprising policy front has returned to the spotlight: the Indus Waters Treaty.

Signed in 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty has long been hailed as one of the world’s most successful water-sharing agreements between two nuclear-armed neighbors. Brokered by the World Bank, it gave Pakistan control over the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—while India retained rights over the eastern ones—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.

Despite wars and numerous military stand-offs, the treaty held firm, standing as a symbol of reluctant cooperation.