DECISIVE SHIFT
The Government’s move to operationalize the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) marks a decisive shift in India’s strategic response to cross-border terrorism.
By linking sustained terror attacks, such as the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, with long-standing cooperative frameworks, New Delhi has signalled that treaties cannot exist in isolation from ground realities.
The recent high-level review chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah reflects a coordinated, whole-of-government approach. The focus on short-, medium- and long-term measures ranging from desilting existing dams to constructing new storage reservoirs and fast-tracking hydropower projects underscores India’s intent to fully utilize its rights over the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
For decades, India exercised restraint under the IWT despite repeated provocations. The present strategy seeks to convert that restraint into leverage.
Equally significant is the emphasis on domestic benefit. Diverting water to address irrigation needs, power generation and water scarcity in Indian states reframes the issue from retaliation to resource optimization. If executed efficiently, these projects could strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s economic base while enhancing national water security.
However, the path ahead is complex. Large infrastructure projects demand time, environmental clearances and sustained political will. International scrutiny and regional stability concerns will also persist, given the World Bank-brokered nature of the treaty.
