In a significant geopolitical move, the Government of India has reportedly cut off water supply to Pakistan from the Baglihar Dam in Jammu, as per reports attributed to the Press Trust of India (PTI). The decision comes in the wake of escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians in Jammu & Kashmir last month.
The Baglihar Dam, located on the Chenab River in Jammu, has been a contentious issue between India and Pakistan for years. Though constructed in accordance with the terms of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the latest move signals a firm departure from the long-standing water-sharing pact.
India has also formally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a World Bank-brokered agreement that has been in place for over six decades. This suspension marks an unprecedented development in bilateral relations, as the treaty has often been viewed as a rare example of cooperation between the two countries.
The decision is expected to have serious implications for Pakistan, which relies heavily on water flowing from India’s river systems, particularly for its agriculture-dependent economy.
In addition to the water-related measures, the Indian government has reportedly revoked visas of Pakistani nationals and halted ongoing trade arrangements. While these steps are seen by many as part of a broader diplomatic and economic crackdown on Islamabad, they are also being framed as a strong message of zero tolerance toward cross-border terrorism.
While supporters of the current administration hail the decisions as a strategic “masterstroke,” critics have raised concerns over the humanitarian and environmental implications of disrupting long-standing water treaties.
No official confirmation has yet been issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, but multiple media reports suggest that the move is part of a wider security and diplomatic posture following recent attacks.
This marks a turning point in Indo-Pak relations and underscores India’s evolving strategy in dealing with security threats through diplomatic and infrastructural levers.
