India Issues Flood Warning to Pakistan on Sutlej River, FO Responds
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) has said that India issued a flood warning for the Sutlej River through diplomatic channels instead of using the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) commission, which is the proper mechanism outlined in the agreement.
According to diplomatic sources, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad contacted Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to share details of potential flood conditions in the Sutlej. Earlier the same day, India had also issued a warning about possible flooding in the Tawi River at Jammu.
Pakistani authorities confirmed they received the alerts and acted on the information. The FO, however, stressed that such communication should take place under the Indus Waters Treaty framework, adding that India is obligated to comply with all provisions of the agreement.
FO’s Concerns
In a statement, the FO said that India’s decision to bypass the IWT commission and rely solely on diplomatic channels “raises serious concerns.” It added that unilateral actions or suspension of treaty obligations could undermine peace and stability in South Asia.
The FO also noted that India’s earlier announcement to hold the IWT in abeyance after recent tensions was a violation of international law.
Background
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with the World Bank’s mediation, governs the sharing of rivers between Pakistan and India.
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India has rights over the eastern rivers — Sutlej, Beas and Ravi.
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Pakistan has rights over the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
The treaty has survived multiple wars and decades of strained relations. Experts highlight that there is no provision allowing unilateral suspension, and any attempts to divert or stop Pakistan’s share of water would be seen as a violation.
🌊 The latest flood warnings come at a time of already strained ties between the two countries, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to the IWT for regional stability.
