September 18, 2024: In a significant diplomatic move, India has issued a formal notice to Pakistan seeking a review and modification of the Indus Waters Treaty, a 62-year-old accord governing the use of the Indus River system. This action is reportedly in response to Pakistan's persistent intransigence regarding disputes over cross-border river management, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The formal notice was delivered under Article XII (3) of the treaty on August 30, 2024. This step follows India's earlier notification for modification, which was communicated to Pakistan on January 25, 2023. The Indian government is now urging Pakistan to engage in government-to-government negotiations to address the treaty's provisions and adapt to contemporary challenges.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 after nine years of complex negotiations and brokered by the World Bank, has historically played a critical role in managing water resources between the two nations. However, ongoing disputes over water-sharing and infrastructure projects have strained relations, prompting India to seek a reevaluation of the terms.