Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has issued a stark warning to India, declaring that Islamabad would consider military action if its national water security, particularly concerning the Indus river system, is perceived to be under threat. This marks a significant escalation in tensions surrounding the longstanding Indus Waters Treaty between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Water Security a Core National Issue
Speaking to ARY News, Asif underscored the critical importance of water as a national security issue for Pakistan. He stated,
“The moment we feel that our national security — and water is part of our national security — is being threatened, we will go to war against India. Definitely.”The minister further suggested that Pakistan, already grappling with a severe water crisis, would respond decisively if India were seen to be rapidly restricting or altering water flows under the existing river-sharing arrangement.
India's Actions Fuel Escalation
Asif's comments were prompted by a video clip featuring India's Jal Shakti Minister, CR Patil, who reportedly indicated that the flow of Indus waters to Pakistan could be entirely halted by June 2028. This statement has reignited fears in Pakistan about India's intentions regarding the vital water resource.
The Indus Waters Treaty: A Contentious Agreement
The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs the distribution of water from the Indus river system. It allocates approximately 80% of the basin's waters to Pakistan, a supply crucial for the country's agriculture, irrigation networks, and broader economy.
Tensions surrounding the treaty have been elevated since India unilaterally suspended the agreement following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025, which claimed 26 lives. New Delhi attributed the attack to Pakistan-backed militants and placed the treaty in abeyance, asserting it would remain suspended until Islamabad takes verifiable and irreversible action against cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan Seeks International Intervention
Pakistan has consistently objected to India's suspension of the treaty, arguing that any disruption to water flows would have severe repercussions for the millions who depend on the river system. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar recently sought intervention from the UN Security Council, describing India's actions as violations of the treaty.
Earlier this month, Pakistan also raised concerns over alleged Indian plans to construct a river-linking project aimed at rerouting water from the Chenab River. Islamabad has labeled this potential project a serious breach of the Indus Waters Treaty and other international obligations.