At the United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, issued a stern warning about India’s actions regarding the Indus River. He emphasized that any attempt by India to disrupt or divert Pakistan’s share of the river’s waters would be considered an “act of war.” This declaration underscores the ongoing tension between the nations over the Indus Water Treaty, a significant bilateral agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960. The treaty regulates the use of the Indus River system, which is vital to both countries’ water supply.
Sharif asserted that the Indus River system is the “lifeblood” for Pakistan and the region, stressing the critical importance of water as a shared resource. He criticized India’s unilateral decision to hold the treaty in abeyance after an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India cited as justification for suspending the treaty until Pakistan addresses cross-border terrorism. Subsequently, India restricted water flow through the Baglihar and Kishanganga dams, which heightened tensions and led to Pakistan expelling Indian military liaisons and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft.
The Indus Water Treaty has historically remained intact through various conflicts since its inception, but recent developments have threatened its stability. Critics from the Lowy Institute argue that India’s suspension signifies a shift towards weaponizing treaties to leverage political outcomes instead of fostering stability. In June 2025, the Court of Arbitration’s tribunal ruled unanimously that India’s suspension did not remove its jurisdiction, despite India’s categorical rejection of the tribunal’s legality and authority. Further complications arose when India dismissed a Permanent Court of Arbitration award concerning technical storage issues for run-of-river hydroelectric projects.
Sharif’s address also included appreciation for past interventions by international figures, such as former President Donald Trump, during heightened tensions. He concluded by highlighting the necessity for a fair resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to ensure peace in South Asia. The ongoing disputes and legal contentions over the Indus Water Treaty remain a focal point in India-Pakistan relations with global implications for regional stability. For more detailed information on Sharif’s address to the UNGA and its implications, see the full article on JURIST.