India has decided to put the 1960 Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan on hold, effective immediately, until Pakistan stops supporting cross-border terrorism. This decision follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, including tourists.

The Indus system, which includes the Indus and its tributaries, is crucial to both countries. India, as the upper riparian country, has several options in this situation. Pradeep Kumar Saxena, former India’s Indus Water Commissioner, suggested that this could be the first step toward abrogating the treaty, despite no explicit provision for its cancellation.

If the treaty is suspended, India would no longer be bound by restrictions like "reservoir flushing" during monsoons or taking Pakistan's objections into account when building structures. It could also stop sharing flood data, which could affect Pakistan, particularly during the monsoon season. Additionally, India would have more freedom in managing water storage and flood control, potentially impacting Pakistan's irrigation-dependent Punjab region.

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