India Diverts Indus Waters: A New Chapter in Regional Tensions

The Indian government, in a significant move, has decided to redirect water meant for Pakistan to four Indian states, citing fundamental changes to the Indus Waters Treaty. The decision aims to address the water scarcity in Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi, amid escalating tensions with Pakistan.

The Indian government has taken a decisive step to divert water designated for Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty to four Indian states: Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi. The Jal Shakti Ministry is rapidly advancing infrastructure development projects to implement this shift, according to sources.

The goal of this initiative is to ensure that no water intended for Pakistan goes unused, instead redirecting it to combat water shortages in the aforementioned states. This move resonates with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion of prioritizing domestic water needs. Guidance from Home Minister Amit Shah has been instrumental in this effort.

Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil convened a meeting to deliberate on the Indus Water Treaty. The discussions, highlighted by a directive to terminate the treaty completely, have set the stage for meticulous implementation. Officials emphasized the necessity of amending the treaty in light of demographic shifts and energy development, while addressing Pakistan's actions that have breached treaty provisions.

(With inputs from agencies.)