Pakistan PLEADS India to Reconsider Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

The Indus Waters Treaty, a historic accord between India and Pakistan, has remained a source of dispute between the two countries for years. The 1960 treaty regulates the sharing of waters from the Indus River system between India and Pakistan. But recent events have landed the treaty on unstable grounds with India putting the implementation of the treaty on hold due to Pakistan's ongoing backing of terrorism.

Pakistan's Request Rejected

Pakistan has written to India asking that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty be reversed. But India has categorically asserted that it won't reverse its stand until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably" ends its sponsorship of terrorism. The Indian government is unflinching, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that "water and blood cannot flow together."

India's Stance on Terrorism

Indian government has cited Pakistan's extended record of terrorism as a state policy, disregarding Pakistan's apprehensions about a water crisis. The stand of the government is unambiguous: negotiations with Pakistan will be on the table only for putting an end to terrorism and the restoration of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Consequences of Suspension

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has far-reaching implications for both nations. India is going to utilize Indus River system's water to its maximum capacity, and all steps are being taken to ensure that no drop of water goes waste. The move will most definitely affect Pakistan's agriculture and economy, which are both highly dependent on Indus River's waters.

India's Three-Tier Strategy

Indian Government has announced a three-tier strategy to ensure efficient use of waters of the Indus. It has short-term, mid-term, and long-term plans for harnessing waters of the Indus River basin. The government will most probably concentrate on taking up stalled hydel projects on priority, and a high-level meeting is reportedly to be organized soon.

Indus Waters Treaty has brought forth to the limelight

The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has brought forth to the limelight the age-old tensions between India and Pakistan. The firm stance taken by the Indian government against terrorism and its resolve to make full use of the waters of the Indus River system are bound to impact both nations in a big way. As things take their course, one thing is certain: the India-Pakistan relationship will never be the same.