India cancels Indus water treaty with Pakistan
what does it mean
Good morning, and welcome to your Thursday update.
Today’s edition brings you stories that matter deeply. No frills, no fluff. Just a clear-eyed look at the events shaping our nation.
As we navigate through grief, resolve, and critical turning points, we begin with one of the most powerful statements from India’s leadership in recent times.
📌 “India will pursue them to the ends of the Earth” – PM Modi after Pahalgam terror attack
In his first public address following the heartbreaking Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear—India will neither forgive nor forget.
Speaking from Madhubani, Bihar, PM Modi paid tribute to the 26 lives lost in Tuesday’s brutal assault in Jammu and Kashmir.
Before beginning his speech, he, along with the crowd, observed a minute of silence to honor the victims. Then, his tone shifted to one of resolve and retribution.
"India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. The spirit of India will never be broken by terrorism," he declared, sending a strong message to those responsible.
He emphasized that not only the attackers but also the conspirators behind the scene would be “punished beyond their imagination.”
Following the attack, the Prime Minister chaired a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security meeting.
The outcome? India announced firm measures against Pakistan, holding them accountable for the growing pattern of cross-border terrorism.
Among the most striking moves, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a historic agreement signed in 1960 that governs how the Indus River’s water is shared between India and Pakistan. This decision signals a shift in India's diplomatic posture, moving from strategic patience to direct action.
📌 So, now that the Indus treaty is no longer in effect, how will Pakistan suffer?
Agricultural impact: Pakistan heavily depends on water from the Western rivers (like the Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum) for irrigation. Discontinuing water withdrawals would directly affect agricultural production, especially in the regions that rely on these rivers for crop irrigation.
As per the agreement, India has specific rights to withdraw water from these rivers, but Pakistan also has access to irrigation water from them.
Economic consequences: Agriculture plays a significant role in Pakistan’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions of people. Any disruption in irrigation water would lead to lower crop yields, impacting food production, export capacity, and overall economic stability.
Sociopolitical strain: Water scarcity could fuel tensions not just between India and Pakistan but also within Pakistan. Provinces and regions that rely heavily on this water may become more vocal and upset, leading to domestic political and social unrest.
There could be increased conflict between agricultural communities and the government over the mismanagement or lack of access to vital resources.
Energy Production Impact: The Western rivers are also used for hydroelectric power generation. If the water supply for hydroelectric projects is cut off, Pakistan would face energy shortages, which could affect industry and overall economic productivity.
Environmental Effects: The reduced water flow would affect ecosystems along the rivers, impacting biodiversity, wetlands, and fisheries, which are crucial for the local environment and communities.
That means, if India stops supplying water under the terms of the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan would suffer significant agricultural, economic, and social consequences, with an overall destabilizing effect on the country.
The ripple effects of these changes could be felt across multiple sectors, from food security to energy production.
So, that’s it for today. If you enjoyed this edition, subscribe to hear from us every day!
See ya 👋
