“Blood and Water Can’t Mix: How India Strategically Used Lawfare to Suspend the Indus Waters Treaty”

India recently took a strong legal step by suspending part of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. This move shows how India is now using law not just for defense, but as a strategic tool—something experts call lawfare. The phrase “blood and water can’t mix” reflects India’s message: peaceful agreements like water sharing cannot continue if violence and terrorism persist.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan. The World Bank helped set up the treaty, which gave Pakistan rights over three rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab), while India got rights over three others (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej). Despite wars and conflicts, the treaty has survived for over six decades. However, after repeated terrorist attacks in India, many of which India blames on Pakistan-based groups, India began to question why it should continue to follow the treaty.

India has now taken the issue to the Permanent Court of Arbitration and also raised concerns with the World Bank. It argues that Pakistan misused the treaty’s dispute resolution system to block Indian projects like Kishanganga and Ratle dams. By using international legal forums, India is trying to shift the burden of compliance and show that Pakistan is not acting in good faith.

This legal action is part of a bigger shift. India is no longer only reacting to threats—it is using international law to protect its national interests. The suspension of treaty obligations signals that India wants fairness and accountability, especially when it comes to issues like cross-border terrorism.

In conclusion, India’s decision to challenge the Indus Waters Treaty shows how countries can use legal tools as part of their strategic and diplomatic plans. It also sends a clear message: trust and peace must exist before water can flow between neighbors.