“Not Even a Drop”: India Begins Process to Block Indus Water Flow to Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack

New Delhi: In a significant move following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India has begun preparations to halt the flow of Indus river water to Pakistan, with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil declaring that “not even a drop” will be allowed to cross the border.
The announcement follows a high-level meeting chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence. The meeting was attended by CR Patil and top officials from various ministries, including Jal Shakti and External Affairs, to strategize the immediate and long-term implementation of India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
“The historic decision taken by the Modi government on the Indus Water Treaty is completely justified and in the national interest. We will ensure that not even a drop of water from the Indus River goes to Pakistan,” Mr. Patil wrote on X in Hindi after the meeting.
Treaty Suspension Triggered by Terror Attack
India announced the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty on Wednesday, following the deadly terror attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, where 26 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen, were killed.
In a formal communication, the Ministry of Jal Shakti notified Syed Ali Murtuza, Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources, of the suspension. The letter cited “sustained cross-border terrorism” and Pakistan’s failure to uphold good-faith treaty obligations.
India’s Strategic Plans
Officials involved in the meeting indicated that implementation will begin immediately, with a focus on short-term and mid-term actions:
• De-silting of existing dams on the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers to increase reservoir capacity and reduce downstream flow.
• Accelerated development of hydropower and irrigation projects, particularly the Kishenganga and Ratle dams, which have previously drawn objections from Pakistan.
• In the longer term, the government is considering constructing new infrastructure on western rivers to fully utilize India’s share under the treaty.
India retains full rights over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—under the treaty, while Pakistan traditionally accesses around 135 million acre-feet (MAF) from the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, which originate in India.
Preparing for International Pushback
Officials also confirmed that India is preparing a legal response in anticipation of pressure from international bodies such as the World Bank, which had brokered the original treaty. Diplomatic outreach is underway to explain India’s rationale and counter any narrative that undermines its position.
“We want to ensure Indian citizens face no inconvenience from these changes. All relevant ministries are working in close coordination,” an official said.
Pakistan’s Sharp Response
In a strongly worded statement, Pakistan reacted to India’s move by calling it an “Act of War”, warning of retaliation with the “full spectrum of national power” if the water flow is stopped or diverted.
India has yet to formally respond to Pakistan’s statement but maintains that national security concerns and repeated violations of cross-border peace have compelled a reassessment of all bilateral agreements.