As India and Pakistan once more clash, political circles in India are discussing ways to reduce river water flow into Pakistan as a potential pressure tactic. But many experts maintain that stopping river water from flowing in either direction would be difficult and require significant resources and coordination between various agencies and states to accomplish successfully.
India and Pakistan are bound by the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 and administered by the World Bank. India controls three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas and Sutlej), while Pakistan receives water from three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum and Chenab). India may use these western rivers for limited irrigation, hydroelectric power generation or non-consumptive uses without diverting or stopping their natural flow.
Legal experts caution that any unilateral violation of the Indus Waters Treaty could backfire and isolate India diplomatically while inviting international criticism, said water law expert Dr. Shalini Mehta.
Technically, cutting off water flow would require extensive infrastructure that India currently lacks, such as dams or diversion canals on western rivers that would take years and cost millions to construct. “Even if India decided to fully utilize its share under the Treaty – something it has yet to do – this may take quite some time and may not affect Pakistan immediately”, stated an official from India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Experts advise India should maximize its use of water, accelerate long-standing hydroelectric projects, and strengthen diplomatic leverage using legal methods. “Rather than making emotional declarations,” advised retired diplomat Vivek Katju. “India should quietly build dams and optimize usage as permitted by treaties.”
Though blocking river water might appeal to public sentiment in times of conflict, doing so remains legally and practically complex. Any decisions taken to do this would necessitate carefully considering its long-term geopolitical, environmental, and humanitarian ramifications.