NEW DELHI/KARACHI, May 10 (Reuters) - A significant water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan remains suspended, according to four government sources who spoke to Reuters. This suspension comes despite both nations reaching a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, following several days of intense and deadly fighting.
The Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial framework established in 1960 with the mediation of the World Bank, governs the distribution of water from the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. This treaty is vital as it secures water resources for approximately 80% of Pakistan's agricultural lands.
India suspended its participation in the treaty last month following a tragic attack that targeted Hindu tourists in Kashmir. India attributed this incident to support from Islamabad, which Pakistan vehemently denied. In response to the treaty's suspension, Pakistan has indicated intentions to pursue international legal action, emphasizing the treaty's importance to its agricultural sustainability.
According to sources from Pakistan's water ministry, the Indus Waters Treaty was not a topic of discussion during ceasefire negotiations. An Indian government source reaffirmed that there had been no change in India's stance regarding the treaty. As of now, there has been no immediate response from India's foreign ministry, nor from officials within Pakistan's water ministry and the information ministry.
The suspension of the treaty is part of a broader series of retaliatory actions taken by both nations following the Kashmir attack. These measures included the closure of land borders, halting of trade, and a significant pause on visa issuance across a myriad of categories for each country's citizens.
Two Indian government sources confirmed to Reuters that all measures imposed against Pakistan, including those related to trade and visa policies, would remain in effect despite the recent pause in hostilities. The ongoing tensions have seen India and Pakistan engaged in daily clashes, particularly after India targeted several locations in Pakistan, claiming they were terrorist camps.
On Saturday evening, a pause in fighting was declared, with Pakistan announcing a ceasefire agreement, while India referred to it as an agreement to halt all military action and firing. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated as both nations navigate this complex geopolitical landscape.
Reporting by Sarita Chaganti Singh and Shivam Patel in New Delhi, and Ariba Shahid in Karachi; writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by Krishna N. Das and Tomasz Janowski.
