NEW DELHI, 25 AUGUST 2025 (TON): India violated the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) by conveying a flood warning through diplomatic channels instead of the mandated Indus Waters Commission.

A Foreign Office spokesperson stated that New Delhi alerted Islamabad about potential flooding in the Tawi River at Jammu on 24 August, but did so via its High Commission in Islamabad rather than the treaty’s institutional framework.

The spokesperson added, "This constitutes a breach of international law.”

The Foreign Office added that India must ensure full compliance with all provisions of the treaty, warning that its suspension or unilateral deviations could have “serious negative implications for peace in South Asia“.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation, governs the use of rivers between the two neighbours and has withstood multiple conflicts.

If we recall, India unilaterally suspended participation in the IWT following the Indian sef-engineered Pahalgam terrorist attack. However, the Indian action was rebuffed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which ruled in favour of Pakistan, affirming that India cannot undermine the treaty’s jurisdiction. Following the ruling, Pakistan reiterated its call for India to resume normal treaty operations and abide by its international commitments.