Washington: A leading American journal, The National Interest, has strongly endorsed Pakistan’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), warning that any attempt to suspend or undermine the landmark agreement would significantly escalate regional tensions in South Asia and pose serious humanitarian and food security risks.

In a detailed analysis, the journal stated that India’s recent actions, including the Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project, amount to clear violations of the Indus Waters Treaty. It cautioned that weakening or suspending the treaty would not only destabilize Pakistan–India relations but could also turn water scarcity into a major regional crisis with far-reaching consequences.

According to The National Interest, the Indus Waters Treaty has for decades served as one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in the world and remains a cornerstone of stability in South Asia. The journal emphasized that the treaty is a fundamental guarantee of food security for millions of people, particularly in Pakistan, where agriculture heavily depends on the waters of the Indus River system.

The article warned that India is increasingly treating water as a strategic weapon, a trend that could transform an already volatile region into one facing chronic humanitarian emergencies. “Weaponizing water,” the journal noted, risks pushing South Asia toward a future marked by water shortages, food insecurity, and heightened political and military confrontation.

The American journal highlighted that India’s move to withhold or limit the sharing of hydrological data violates both the spirit and the letter of international law. Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India is obligated to regularly provide Pakistan with water-related data to ensure transparency, trust, and cooperative management of shared rivers. Blocking such data, the journal argued, undermines confidence-building mechanisms and increases the risk of miscalculation and conflict.

Referring to legal precedents, The National Interest pointed out that international arbitration bodies have already made it clear that India cannot unilaterally suspend or abandon the Indus Waters Treaty. The journal cited rulings by international arbitration courts, which reaffirmed that disputes under the treaty must be resolved through agreed mechanisms rather than unilateral actions.

The article stressed that India is legally bound to ensure the uninterrupted flow of water from the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan, as stipulated under the treaty. Any deviation from this obligation, it said, would be considered unacceptable under international law and could invite legal challenges in global forums.

The National Interest further warned that South Asia is already one of the most water-stressed regions in the world, with climate change, population growth, and poor water management compounding the crisis. In such a fragile environment, the journal said, attempts to politicize or militarize water resources could quickly escalate into a large-scale humanitarian disaster.

The journal also noted that Pakistan’s concerns are not merely political but deeply rooted in survival and sustainability. Pakistan’s economy is largely agrarian, and millions of livelihoods depend on consistent water flows regulated by the Indus Waters Treaty. Any disruption, it said, would directly threaten food production, rural employment, and overall economic stability.

Highlighting the broader implications, The National Interest argued that the erosion of the Indus Waters Treaty would set a dangerous precedent globally. If one of the world’s most durable water-sharing agreements can be weakened through unilateral actions, other transboundary water arrangements around the world could also come under threat, increasing the likelihood of water-related conflicts in multiple regions.

The journal urged the international community, particularly major powers and global institutions, to take the issue seriously and ensure that India adheres strictly to its treaty obligations. It emphasized that preserving the Indus Waters Treaty is not just about Pakistan and India, but about maintaining international norms related to shared natural resources and conflict prevention.

In conclusion, The National Interest reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty remains a vital pillar of peace, stability, and food security in South Asia. The journal warned that suspending or undermining the agreement would inflame regional tensions, violate international law, and transform water into a dangerous geopolitical weapon. It called for renewed diplomatic engagement, respect for legal frameworks, and a commitment to cooperation to prevent a deepening water and security crisis in the region.