India Cuts Water, Escalates Tensions With Pakistan

India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following a deadly attack in Kashmir, which it attributes to militants from Pakistan, sharply escalating bilateral tensions. India has reduced the Chenab River's water flow to Pakistan by up to 90%, raising fears of a 21% water deficit for Pakistani crops and threatening food security. In addition to reservoir maintenance, India has accelerated the construction of four major hydropower projects in Kashmir, actions Pakistan views as aggressive and potentially acts of war. Pakistan's defense minister has threatened to destroy any Indian-built water-blocking structures, calling water a 'red line' in their relations. India has responded with large-scale civil defense and air force drills near the border, while daily cross-border exchanges of fire have been reported. The situation has heightened fears of a broader conflict between the nuclear-armed nations.