India stops water flow from Chenab River to Pakistan

India has restricted water flow from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and is considering similar measures at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River. 

The Baglihar and Kishanganga hydroelectric dams, located in Jammu and Kashmir, have long been a source of contention between India and Pakistan due to their potential impact on water distribution, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The decision to suspend the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), brokered by the World Bank, comes in the wake of a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), on April 22, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. Following the attack, India has linked Pakistan to the incident without providing concrete evidence and implemented a range of punitive measures, including downgrading diplomatic ties and suspending the IWT.

The Baglihar Dam has previously been a flashpoint, with Pakistan seeking World Bank arbitration over its construction. The Kishanganga Dam has also faced significant legal and diplomatic scrutiny, particularly due to concerns over its impact on the Neelum River, a tributary of the Jhelum River.

As tensions rise, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that India’s armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to determine the timing, targets, and mode of response to any further provocations. In a high-level defence meeting, Modi highlighted India's readiness to act in the wake of the attack.

In response to India's actions, Pakistan has expelled Indian diplomats and military advisers, cancelled visas for Indian nationals (except Sikh pilgrims), and shut down the Wagah-Attari border crossing. Pakistan has strongly rejected India’s suspension of the IWT, warning that any move to stop the flow of water would be regarded as an "act of war."

Pakistan also closed its airspace to Indian airliners and suspended all trade with India, including transit trade through third countries. Islamabad has denied any involvement in the attack and has called for a transparent and credible investigation.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif further warned that Pakistan would retaliate if India constructs any structures on the Indus River in violation of the IWT.

By Khagan Isayev