Indus Water Treaty Suspension: India's Strategic Leverage Against Pakistan

National News: India has suspended the historic Indus Water Treaty after a fierce terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Kashmir. This step is considered a major sign from India towards increasing diplomatic and strategic pressure on Pakistan. After this decision, new tension has arisen between the two countries.

India changed strategy, will now strengthen water control

Under the Indus Water Treaty, till now India could have made limited use on the water of Western rivers (Indus, Chenab and Jhelum) and also had to share information about floods with Pakistan. But now India has decided that it will neither inform Pakistan about the water flow and water level of rivers nor a warning of flood.
Experts believe that this step will have a major impact on Pakistan's water management and disaster control system.

India is considering many options

According to Kushwinder Vohra, former chairman of the Central Water Commission, India now has many strategic options:

• Developing more and more power projects on western rivers.
• To control water flow by creating new dams and reservoirs.
• To minimize the flow of water going to Pakistan, so that it has to face difficulties.

However, experts say that India will have to work on large infrastructure, such as dams and canal projects to completely prevent rivers water, which can take years.

Treaty ending option: Way is not easy

Even though India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty, it will not be easy to completely eliminate it. Since it took place in the mediation of the World Bank in 1960, it would have to follow the international rules and the 'Vienna Treaty' to eliminate it. In addition, any unilateral step can affect India's international image.

Pakistan's response: Preparation to go to international forums

After the treaty suspension, Pakistan has indicated that it will raise the issue in front of the international forums, especially the United Nations and the World Bank. Pakistan can present this decision like 'Economic War' and will try to put pressure on India.

Danger on regional stability

Analysts say the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty will not only increase bilateral tension, but can also affect the regional stability of South Asia. Due to conflict on sensitive issues like water, not only India and Pakistan but the whole world have been eyeing this area.

What does the path ahead say?

Now the question arises whether India and Pakistan will be able to solve this issue through dialogue or will the matter take the form of international dispute? The indications from India are clear - Now Pakistan will have to pay strategic and financially.