India bypassed IWT by sharing flood data via diplomatic channel: FO

Pakistan has raised objections after India bypassed the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) by sending flood warnings through diplomatic channels instead of the Indus Water Commission, the designated forum under the 1960 accord. According to the Foreign Office on Monday, India’s High Commission in Islamabad conveyed flood data on Sunday, marking the first such exchange since New Delhi unilaterally suspended the treaty following the Pahalgam attack in April. In a letter seen by The Express Tribune, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad informed Pakistan of a “high flood” in River Tawi, Jammu, at 10:00 am on August 24. The Foreign Office later confirmed the development but questioned India’s method of communication. “On 24 August 2025, India communicated flood warnings through diplomatic channels, rather than through the Indus Waters Commission as required under the IWT. India is obligated to fully comply with all provisions of the Treaty,” read the FO statement. It added that India’s unilateral suspension of the treaty constitutes a “serious violation of international law” with potential consequences for regional peace and stability. Read More: India alerts Pakistan about upcomsing flood threat A senior Pakistani official told The Express Tribune that India appeared to be deliberately omitting reference to the treaty to establish a “new normal” in its dealings with Pakistan. An unnamed Indian official, quoted by Reuters, said the data was shared on “humanitarian grounds” and not under treaty obligations. Following the alert, Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued warnings for Gujrat and Sialkot districts, cautioning that rising waters in River Tawi could affect Chenab’s flow. District administrations were directed to activate flood monitoring and emergency response systems. Signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation, the Indus Waters Treaty allocates the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan, while India controls the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—subject to conditions that it does not significantly alter western flows. The Permanent Court of Arbitration recently reaffirmed that India cannot unilaterally walk away from the treaty and must strictly comply with provisions governing run-of-the-river projects. Islamabad has repeatedly warned that any attempt by New Delhi to obstruct Pakistan’s due share of water would be viewed as an act of aggression.

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