In the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India has halted the implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan — a move that marks a significant shift in India’s water diplomacy.

For the first time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken out on the matter. "The waters of India will now be used solely for India’s benefit. The era of our waters flowing out of our country is over. Our waters – our right," Modi asserted.

He emphasized that while Indian rivers have traditionally flowed beyond borders, it’s time to prioritize national needs. The government has already initiated steps to stop the flow of water from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River to Pakistan, and is also preparing to curb outflows from the Kishanganga Project on the Jhelum River.

This announcement underlines a decisive approach by the Indian government in leveraging water as a strategic resource in response to continued cross-border terrorism.