From Pahalgam to the dam: India’s massive Rs 3,394 cr answer to terror is ready to run dry in Pakistan | India News
In a significant move following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), India is nearing completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam. This dam will stop excess water from the Ravi River flowing into Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana on Wednesday confirmed that the project is progressing rapidly and is expected to be fully operational by March 31.
Strategic change: Impact on Pakistan
The completion of the dam marks a significant change in India’s water diplomacy. Although the Ravi is an Eastern river over which India has full rights, historical infrastructure gaps have allowed significant amounts of unused water to flow into Pakistan.
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Jam: Pakistan relies on the Indus system for almost 90% of its agriculture. Now it is facing a major water crisis just before the summer season.
Domestic priority: Minister Rana stated that the water will be diverted to irrigate more than 37,000 hectares in drought-prone Kandi belts of Kathua and Samba (J&K) and parts of Punjab.
Shahpur Kandi Project: 45 years of legacy
Conceived in 1979, the project took decades to develop.
national importance: Declared national project in 2008, revived in 2018 due to direct intervention of PMO after years of disputes between states.
Cost and scale: Built at a cost of approximately Rs 3.394 billion, the 55.5 meter high dam will not only provide irrigation but also generate 206 MW of hydropower for Punjab.
Operation Sindoor and the ‘Compliance’ of the IWT
The acceleration of the Shahpur Kandi Dam is closely linked to India’s tougher stance against cross-border terrorism.
catalyst: Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people on April 22, 2025, India officially suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.
Operation Sindoor: Highlighted in the 2026 Republic Day Parade, this military and diplomatic strategy asserts that “blood and water cannot flow together.”
beyond Ravi: With the agreement suspended, India has also accelerated major projects on the Western Rivers (Chenab and Jhelum). This includes the 1,856 MW Sawalkote project and the Tulbul Navigation Project, which were previously postponed due to Pakistan’s objections.
Global and regional fallout
The move sparked harsh reactions in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India recently criticized Pakistan for “weaponizing” the narrative. Indian representatives argued that the agreement was made in good faith, and that Pakistan violated it due to the terrorism it has supported for years.
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