A French newspaper has warned that suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty poses serious risks to water security in South Asia. The report describes the dispute between Pakistan and India as a growing regional concern. It says water must not be used as a political or strategic tool.
The report by Le Monde said India allegedly used water-related measures as political pressure following the Pahalgam incident in 2025. It noted that the treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally under its legal framework. Any changes, it said, require mutual consent between both countries.
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The newspaper highlighted findings that the Permanent Court of Arbitration has upheld the treaty’s continued validity. It also noted that delays in hydrological data sharing have affected Pakistan’s flood preparedness. This has reportedly complicated early warning systems and water management efforts.
Le Monde further stated that communities in Pakistan’s Punjab province have faced significant agricultural losses. It reported damage from flooding, crop destruction and sediment deposits on farmland. It added that families along the Chenab River have also suffered losses of livestock and property.
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The report concluded that the issue extends beyond bilateral tensions and now represents a wider regional security challenge. It warned that climate change and glacier melt are increasing pressure on river systems. It also stressed that transparent data sharing and cooperation are essential to prevent long-term environmental and humanitarian risks.