Owaisi Questions Indus Treaty Suspension Water Storage..

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has raised serious questions regarding the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a landmark agreement that has regulated water sharing between the two countries since 1960. Owaisi questioned the practicality of India’s move, asking where the country plans to store the waters of the rivers that would no longer be sent to Pakistan under a suspended treaty.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, gives Pakistan rights over the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, while India controls the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers. The agreement has withstood multiple wars and geopolitical tensions between the two neighbors. However, in light of increasing hostilities and cross-border incidents, there have been growing calls within India to review or suspend the treaty as a form of diplomatic pressure.

Responding to this context, Owaisi expressed concern about the logistical and environmental aspects of such a decision. He emphasized that simply halting the flow of water to Pakistan is not a straightforward solution, as India lacks the infrastructure to store the diverted water on such a massive scale. He cautioned that such decisions should be driven by scientific planning and long-term strategy rather than political sentiment or emotional reaction.

Owaisi also pointed out that water is a shared natural resource and unilateral actions could affect India’s global image as a responsible stakeholder in international agreements. Furthermore, he warned that any sudden disruption in water sharing could lead to ecological damage and unrest in the border regions, potentially aggravating tensions rather than resolving them.

His remarks sparked debate on social media and among political analysts, with some supporting his pragmatic stance while others criticized it as being soft on Pakistan. As discussions around the Indus Waters Treaty continue, experts have suggested that India needs to focus on enhancing its water storage, conservation systems, and diplomatic engagement to manage the issue effectively.

The central government has not yet officially declared a permanent suspension but has indicated that all options are on the table. In the meantime, Owaisi’s comments highlight the complexity of water diplomacy in South Asia and the challenges of translating nationalistic rhetoric into feasible policy action.