Water War is not a solution
May 25 2025
Dursun Yıldız
Hydropolitics Expert
Hydropolitics Academy Center-Türkiye
The abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty, negotiated by the World Bank in 1960, was among a slew of measures announced by India against Pakistan last month after the April 22 attack that killed 26 men, mostly Hindu tourists. New Delhi had said the attack was backed by Pakistan – an accusation Islamabad denied – and the nuclear-armed neighbors were involved in their worst military fighting in nearly three decades before agreeing to a ceasefire on May 10.
India and Pakistan have shared a troubled relationship since they were carved out of British India in 1947, and have fought three wars, two of them over the Himalayan region of Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part.
Reaching water peace between India and Pakistan again is an achievable target. They can reconsider and strengthen the Indus Waters Treaty. They need to update it to address modern challenges like climate change and new infrastructure. Transparent data sharing will play a very important role in a new basin management plan. They need to exchange regular river flow and dam operation data to build trust.
They must also empower joint bodies for dialogue and involve neutral international bodies for conflict resolution when needed. It is also important to depoliticize water issues as it has been achieved by states for 65 years. They can keep water cooperation separate from broader political tensions.
Both India and Pakistan depend on the Indus River system. A War would damage vital water sources for both.
Millions would suffer from water shortages, displacement, and food insecurity. Any war could escalate dangerously due to both nations having nuclear weapons. Peaceful dialogue, cooperation, and joint water management again will offer sustainable, long-term solutions.
We can reach peace through cooperation, not competition. War destroys; cooperation builds.
Water for peace and cooperation
^
Water War is not a solution
May 25 2025
Dursun Yıldız
Hydropolitics Expert
Hydropolitics Academy Center-Türkiye
The abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty, negotiated by the World Bank in 1960, was among a slew of measures announced by India against Pakistan last month after the April 22 attack that killed 26 men, mostly Hindu tourists. New Delhi had said the attack was backed by Pakistan – an accusation Islamabad denied – and the nuclear-armed neighbors were involved in their worst military fighting in nearly three decades before agreeing to a ceasefire on May 10.
India and Pakistan have shared a troubled relationship since they were carved out of British India in 1947, and have fought three wars, two of them over the Himalayan region of Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part.
Reaching water peace between India and Pakistan again is an achievable target. They can reconsider and strengthen the Indus Waters Treaty. They need to update it to address modern challenges like climate change and new infrastructure. Transparent data sharing will play a very important role in a new basin management plan. They need to exchange regular river flow and dam operation data to build trust.
They must also empower joint bodies for dialogue and involve neutral international bodies for conflict resolution when needed. It is also important to depoliticize water issues as it has been achieved by states for 65 years. They can keep water cooperation separate from broader political tensions.
Both India and Pakistan depend on the Indus River system. A War would damage vital water sources for both.
Millions would suffer from water shortages, displacement, and food insecurity. Any war could escalate dangerously due to both nations having nuclear weapons. Peaceful dialogue, cooperation, and joint water management again will offer sustainable, long-term solutions.
We can reach peace through cooperation, not competition. War destroys; cooperation builds.
Water for peace and cooperation
^
