India Accused of Weaponizing Water; Pakistan Raises Indus Water Treaty Concerns at UN

Islamabad/United Nations: Pakistan has once again raised concerns over the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), claiming that India’s suspension of the agreement has created an unprecedented crisis for Pakistan’s water security and regional stability. Speaking at the Global Water Bankruptcy Policy Roundtable—organized by Canada’s Permanent Mission and the United Nations University—Pakistan’s acting Permanent Representative to the UN, Usman Jadoon, warned of the growing risks posed by India’s unilateral actions.

Allegations Against India

The Pakistani envoy accused India of violating the treaty following its decision in April last year to suspend certain provisions. He alleged that India is deliberately using water as a “weapon” against Pakistan. Jadoon emphasized, “Pakistan’s position on the Indus Water Treaty is clear. The treaty remains legally binding, and no unilateral suspension or modification is permitted under its terms.”

He highlighted the critical importance of the Indus River for Pakistan, noting that it sustains one of the world’s largest irrigation systems, meets over 80% of the country’s agricultural water needs, and supports the livelihoods of more than 240 million people.

India’s Suspension of the Treaty

India suspended parts of the treaty following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam last April, in which 26 civilians were killed. The attack, linked to militants operating from Pakistan, prompted India to assert that “blood and water cannot flow together.” This marked the first time since the treaty’s inception that India had suspended any part of it.

Under the terms of the Indus Water Treaty, India is entitled to unrestricted use of the eastern rivers—Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi—while Pakistan has rights over the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.

Pakistan’s renewed complaints at the United Nations reflect growing tensions over water sharing in South Asia, with Islamabad warning that India’s moves could have far-reaching implications for regional peace and agricultural stability.