Summary Le Monde warns that suspending the Indus Waters Treaty threatens regional water security and stresses that water must not be used as a political or strategic weapon.
PARIS (Dunya News) - French newspaper Le Monde has described the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a dangerous turning point for water security in South Asia, warning that the growing dispute carries implications beyond Pakistan and India.
According to the reports, India used water as a tool of political pressure following the Pahalgam incident in April 2025. It stressed that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally and that any changes to the agreement can only be made through mutual consent between both countries.
Le Monde noted that the Permanent Court of Arbitration has maintained that the treaty remains in force. The report added that India's failure to provide hydrological data has complicated Pakistan’s ability to issue timely flood warnings and manage water-related risks.
The newspaper highlighted the impact on farmers in Pakistan’s Punjab province, stating that sudden flooding, crop losses and layers of sand deposited on agricultural land have caused significant damage. Families living along the Chenab River were reported to have lost livestock, crops and household belongings.
The report also reflected Pakistan’s position that any attempt to block or divert water would be viewed as a serious provocation. Statements by Indian leaders were cited as examples of the political use of water resources, while Pakistan's description of threats to halt water flows as “water terrorism” was also noted.
According to Le Monde, Pakistan’s concerns extend beyond politics and involve human rights, agriculture, food security and survival. The report stated that more than 80 per cent of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on the Indus River system, making it critical to the country's economy and population.
The newspaper further observed that India itself faces concerns over upstream water pressure from China and experiences similar anxieties regarding the Brahmaputra River that Pakistan has expressed over the Indus basin.
Le Monde concluded that the water dispute is no longer merely a bilateral issue but has become a matter of regional security and environmental stability. With climate change, glacier melt and population growth increasing pressure on water resources, the report said cooperation between Pakistan and India has become more important than ever.
The publication also emphasized that transparent sharing of water data is essential for protecting human lives and warned that unilateral actions could set a dangerous precedent for international river laws and downstream water rights. It added that Pakistan's position that water should not be used as a tool of war, pressure or retaliation has gained greater international attention.
