Web Desk: French leading newspaper Le Monde has warned that India’s use of water as a weapon could pose a serious threat to millions of people.
In its report, Le Monde described the Indus Waters Treaty as a fundamental pillar of peace and stability in South Asia, noting that India’s announcement in April 2025 to suspend the treaty has further intensified the water dispute between Pakistan and India.
Measures related to river flows, reservoir management, and the exchange of hydrological information have turned water into an important element of regional geopolitics.
The report highlighted that a major part of Pakistan’s economy, agriculture, food production, and energy sector depends on the Indus River system. Therefore, any unexpected change in water flow could have direct impacts on the lives and economic activities of millions of people.
According to Le Monde, recent opinions from international legal forums have also strengthened the argument that the Indus Waters Treaty is an effective and enforceable international agreement that cannot be unilaterally suspended.
The report stressed that the status of international agreements is determined by legal principles and binding obligations rather than political declarations. It added that climate change, melting glaciers, population growth, and water scarcity are major future challenges.
It noted that although the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty remained effective for decades, changing climatic and demographic conditions are creating new challenges that require greater cooperation and modern management mechanisms.
Le Monde also pointed out that the issue of transboundary water resources is not limited to Pakistan and India, as similar concerns exist in many parts of the world between upstream and downstream countries. In this context, fair use of water resources, exchange of information, and adherence to international law are essential for regional stability.
Analysts say that the growing debate in global media, international legal institutions, and human rights circles regarding the Indus Waters Treaty reflects that water will remain one of the most important issues for South Asia’s security, economy, and regional cooperation in the future.
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