India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty, Begins Hydro Projects in Kashmir

India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, which governs the use of the Indus River and its tributaries, following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people. In response, India began reservoir flushing operations at the Salal and Baglihar hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir to remove sediment and boost holding capacity, actions previously restricted by the treaty. The work, carried out by state-run NHPC Ltd, was not communicated to Pakistan and marks the first time such maintenance has taken place since the dams were built. While the immediate impact on Pakistani water supply is limited, there are concerns that continued or expanded reservoir flushing at other projects could eventually affect Pakistan, which relies on these rivers for irrigation and hydropower. Pakistan has condemned India's actions, threatening international legal action and warning that any attempt to stop or divert water would be seen as an act of war. The move has heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, who have a long history of conflict over Kashmir.