Pakistan Backs Down: Signals Talks with India on Indus Water Treaty

Pakistan signaled a willingness to negotiate with India over the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), marking a retreat from its earlier hardline position after India suspended the treaty following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. A letter from Pakistan’s Water Resources Secretary, Syed Ali Murtaza, to India’s Water Secretary, Debashree Mukherjee, urged dialogue to address India’s concerns, as reported by The Hindu. This shift comes amid diplomatic pressure and India’s military actions, including Operation Sindoor, which exposed vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s defenses. Pakistan’s call for talks reflects the treaty’s critical role in its agrarian economy, with 70% of Indus River System water allocated to it.

India’s Firm Position
India suspended the IWT on April 23, 2025, citing Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism, particularly after the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement, “Water and blood cannot flow together,” underscored India’s resolve to keep the treaty in abeyance until Pakistan halts terrorism. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated this stance on May 13, 2025, emphasizing that talks would only resume if Pakistan “credibly abjures” terror support. India’s accelerated hydropower projects, like the Salal Dam on the Chenab River, have raised alarms in Pakistan, which fears water shortages impacting its Kharif season.

Diplomatic Context and Ceasefire
The proposal for talks follows a May 10, 2025, ceasefire agreement mediated indirectly through US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after four days of military exchanges post-Operation Sindoor. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif suggested discussions on terrorism, Kashmir, and the IWT, indicating a broader dialogue. However, India insists on bilateral talks without third-party involvement, focusing solely on military-level discussions for now.

Implications for Regional Stability
Pakistan’s softened stance aims to secure water resources vital for millions of farmers, as the IWT’s suspension threatens its agricultural output. India’s punitive measures, including trade bans, remain in place, signaling continued pressure. The proposed talks, if initiated, could ease tensions but hinge on Pakistan addressing India’s security concerns, making the IWT a pivotal issue in bilateral relations