Pakistan warns India of war over Indus Water dispute, tensions rise again
India-Pakistan tension: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the country could consider military action if it believes India's actions on the Indus river system pose a threat to Pakistan's water security.
Speaking to local broadcaster ARY News, Asif described water as a key part of Pakistan's national security. He said if Pakistan feels its water interests are under serious threat, it would be prepared to respond strongly, including through military means.
The minister's comments came after reports emerged that India may be working on plans to significantly reduce the flow of Indus basin water reaching Pakistan in the coming years. A recent statement by India's Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil suggested that water flowing to Pakistan could be stopped by June 2028.
The dispute has intensified since India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025, which claimed 26 lives. India blamed Pakistan-backed terrorists for the attack and later announced that the treaty would remain suspended until Pakistan takes concrete steps against cross-border terrorism.
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by World Bank, regulates the sharing of water from the Indus river system between the two countries. Pakistan depends heavily on these waters for agriculture, irrigation and daily needs.
Islamabad has repeatedly opposed India's decision to suspend the agreement, arguing that any disruption in water supplies could affect millions of people. Pakistan has also raised the issue at international forums, including the United Nations Security Council.
Earlier this month, Pakistan accused India of planning projects that could divert water from the Chenab River, calling such moves a violation of the treaty and international commitments.
With Pakistan already facing water shortages and climate-related challenges, the dispute over the Indus river system is becoming a major source of tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
- With inputs from agencies
