New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, India has announced the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. The suspension comes after recent gunfire exchanges between the two nations, heightening security concerns along their shared borders.
The Indus Water Treaty, which regulates the distribution of water from the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan, has been in place since its signing in 1960. Under the treaty, India controls the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — while Pakistan manages the western rivers — Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus.
India’s decision to suspend the treaty follows reports of Pakistan’s continued provocations, which have raised significant concerns regarding the security and viability of the agreement. The Indian government has called for a reassessment of the treaty, citing changes in geopolitical dynamics. However, Pakistan has opposed any revision of the agreement.
World Bank President Ajay Banga has said that the multilateral agency has no role to play beyond a facilitator in the #IndusWatersTreaty signed between #India and #Pakistan in 1960 for sharing of waters of Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.https://t.co/TT1WCOV8o4
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) May 9, 2025
In response to these developments, Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, clarified that the organization has not intervened in the matter. Banga, who is currently visiting India, emphasized that the World Bank’s role in the treaty has been solely as a facilitator and that it does not dictate the terms of the agreement.
The World Bank played a key role in mediating the treaty’s terms in 1960, but Banga confirmed that it would remain a neutral party, supporting both countries in managing the treaty’s implementation, but not in altering its core provisions.
Meanwhile, during his visit, Ajay Banga met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to discuss various ongoing initiatives and participated in several official engagements.