Indus Waters Row Deepens After Pakistan's 'Dewatering' Charge On New Dam, India Dismisses Claim

The Sawalkote dam project on the Chenab has triggered fresh diplomatic friction between India and Pakistan. While Pakistan alleges that the project violates the Indus Waters Treaty and forms part of a “dewatering” strategy, India has firmly defended its sovereign right to pursue infrastructure within its territory. The Ministry of External Affairs has said development projects are based on India’s understanding of treaty provisions. The Rs 5,129 crore hydropower initiative sits between existing Baglihar and Salal projects and is part of a wider effort to boost energy capacity in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has formally raised the matter through its Indus Water Commissioner and signalled possible legal recourse. As both sides dig in, the Chenab once again becomes a focal point of strategic and diplomatic tension.