The Rising Tide: Climate Change and Water Conflict in South Asia
Water scarcity is reshaping South Asia as climate change, outdated treaties, and rising demand turn rivers into sources of conflict.
The Indus: From Historical Precedent to Modern Hydro-Politics
From ancient rivers to modern disputes, the Indus highlights how upstream projects and treaty tensions jeopardize Pakistan’s economy, environment, and food security.
Water, War, and the UN: The Indus Basin Dilemma
The Indus Waters Treaty, once hailed as a model of cooperation, faces its gravest challenge after India’s unilateral suspension in 2025. For Pakistan, water security is a matter of survival, with millions dependent on the Indus Basin for food and livelihoods. As tensions mount, the fear of “water terrorism” looms large, raising the stakes for regional stability. The UN must move beyond silence, leveraging law and diplomacy to ensure the Indus remains a source of life rather than a trigger for war.
Indus: The Troubled Waters
Despite numerous violent conflicts between India and Pakistan since the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was ratified in 1960, the two neighbors have not yet engaged in any water wars. The treaty has, however, come under fresh scrutiny in recent days.