Despite a recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan following intense cross-border fighting, a major water-sharing agreement between the two countries remains suspended, according to four government sources cited by Reuters.
The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs the allocation of water from the Indus River and its tributaries.
India withdrew from the treaty last month after blaming Pakistan for a deadly attack on Hindu pilgrims in Kashmir.
Islamabad has denied any involvement and is reportedly exploring international legal avenues in response, stressing that the treaty is crucial for irrigating around 80% of its agricultural land.
“Indus Waters Treaty was not really a part of (ceasefire) discussions,” a Pakistani water ministry official confirmed. An Indian source also told Reuters that there has been “no change in stand” on the matter.
Neither India’s foreign ministry nor relevant Pakistani officials have issued formal statements yet.
The suspension of the treaty is among several retaliatory actions taken by both nations in the aftermath of the Kashmir incident, including border closures, halting of trade, and a near-total visa freeze.
Two Indian government insiders indicated that all existing measures against Pakistan, including trade and visa restrictions, will continue, regardless of the current ceasefire.
Since India’s military strikes on alleged “terrorist camps” in Pakistan last Wednesday, both nations have engaged in daily hostilities.
The conflict subsided Saturday evening when both sides agreed to halt military activity, Pakistan calling it a “ceasefire agreement,” while India referred to it as an agreement to “stop all firing and military action.”