New Delhi, April 24 (NationPress) In a pivotal move, India has chosen to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a longstanding agreement that has facilitated water-sharing with Pakistan for many years.

This decision arises in light of Pakistan's persistent cross-border terrorism and its inaction regarding India's previous concerns.

This is a significant response from India following the identification of ‘Pakistan links’ to the recent Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where at least 26 innocent individuals lost their lives due to a terrorist assault in the Baisaran meadows.

The decision, which signifies a watershed moment in South Asia's water diplomacy, was conveyed through an official letter from India's Water Resources Secretary, Debashree Mukherjee, to her Pakistani equivalent.

On Thursday, Debashree Mukherjee formally informed Syed Ali Murtaza, Pakistan's Secretary of Water Resources, about India's choice to temporarily halt the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.

In her explanation for this action, Mukherjee stated: “This is in reference to the Government of India's notifications sent to the Government of Pakistan requesting modifications to the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 under Article XII (3). These communications highlighted substantial changes in circumstances since the Treaty was enacted, necessitating a reassessment of obligations under its various Articles and Annexures.”

The letter emphasized transformative changes, including shifts in population dynamics and India’s advancing clean energy initiatives, which have changed the foundational assumptions of the treaty.

Mukherjee reiterated the necessity of honoring treaties in good faith, noting, “The obligation to uphold a treaty in good faith is fundamental. However, we have seen persistent cross-border terrorism from Pakistan targeting the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.”

The Indian government also pointed out the challenges created by Pakistan's unwillingness to engage in negotiations, stating, “Pakistan has declined to respond to India’s request for discussions as outlined under the Treaty, thereby breaching its terms.”

This continuous absence of dialogue, compounded by security concerns, has restricted India from fully utilizing its water rights as per the agreement.

Mukherjee announced, “The Government of India has decided that the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 will be held in abeyance effective immediately.”