The water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, a cornerstone for managing the Indus River basin, remains stalled despite a fragile ceasefire along their disputed border. This treaty, originally established in the 1960s under World Bank auspices, has long served as a critical mechanism to regulate water distribution between the two countries. However, recent diplomatic deadlocks have cast uncertainty over its future. Experts caution that prolonged suspension of this pact could intensify existing tensions and jeopardize access to essential water supplies for millions dependent on these rivers.

Several contentious issues lie at the heart of this impasse:

  • Hydroelectric Development: India’s proposed hydropower initiatives on western tributaries have sparked concerns in Pakistan, which views them as potential breaches of treaty terms.
  • Water Flow Management: Accusations from Pakistan allege that India…