Climate Change and Water Belligerence Nexus: India and Pakistan ' s Water Crisis

Climate change is reshaping global water resources by disrupting hydrological cycles and exacerbating the severity and frequency of extreme weather events. These changes are particularly concerning given that South Asia (SA) already has fragile water security. The Indus River Basin, a vital water source for Pakistan, lies at the heart of these challenges, where water scarcity—already exacerbated by climate change—threatens to destabilize the region and aggravate existing vulnerabilities. India is regarded as the center of contention in water-sharing agreements with its co-basin neighbor, Pakistan. Water scarcity and the potential for future water conflicts are major concerns in SA. The paper aims to explore the growing tendency of weaponizing water through strategic use by India, which has serious consequences for Pakistan. It examines how Indian hegemonic ambitions and unilateral actions to transboundary water, coupled with the impacts of climate change, are exacerbating Pakistan's water woes. The study also analyzes the multifaceted effects on Pakistan by reviewing the developments, such as the building of dams, barrages, and storage facilities, against the backdrop of recent climate change impacts. Lastly, it concludes with recommendations for strengthening institutional mechanisms and fostering cooperative water management between the two countries to mitigate the escalating crisis.