India says it will block water flow to Pakistan

India has said it is actively working on measures to stop water from flowing into Pakistan, further intensifying tensions between the two neighbouring countries

India has said it is actively working on measures to stop water from flowing into Pakistan, further intensifying tensions between the two neighbouring countries over shared river resources.

Indian Water Minister CR Patil stated that “not a single drop of water will go to Pakistan in the coming years,” adding that the government is acting under directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He made the remarks in an interview with Indian media, saying that efforts are underway to restructure water management systems on rivers that flow from India into Pakistan. The statement comes after India suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty in 2025.

Pakistan has strongly opposed any such move, calling attempts to restrict or divert water flow an unacceptable act that violates international agreements. Officials in Islamabad maintain that the treaty remains legally binding and cannot be unilaterally suspended.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs the distribution of water from six major rivers of the Indus basin, which are vital for agriculture and livelihoods in Pakistan.

Indian authorities argue that they are upgrading infrastructure and carrying out technical works on river systems under their control. However, experts note that existing dam structures do not currently allow full blockage or immediate diversion of water flows.

Analysts say any large-scale diversion projects would require several years of construction and development before having a significant impact on downstream water availability.

Pakistan has previously warned that any attempt to restrict its water supply would be considered a serious escalation. Officials describe water as a critical resource for the country’s agriculture and economy.

The dispute over water has intensified following political tensions between the two countries, with both sides accusing each other of violating agreements and politicizing shared resources.

Experts also point out that while India may influence the timing and flow of water through infrastructure projects, complete stoppage of river flow into Pakistan is not technically feasible in the short term.