After Indus Treaty Setback India Clears Chenab Hydropower Project Triggering Fresh Panic In Pakistan

India has approved another hydropower project on the Chenab River, intensifying Pakistan’s unease after the Indus Waters Treaty suspension. The 260 megawatt Dulhasti Stage II project in Kishtwar has received environmental clearance, just months after the Sawalkot project was cleared downstream. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has accused India of violating treaty provisions, claiming it was not informed about the project. India maintains that the project lies within its rights and reflects long-delayed utilisation of Jammu and Kashmir’s hydropower potential. Analysts say the move sends a strategic signal following Operation Sindoor, showing that India will not compromise on water security. With western rivers historically underutilised, the Chenab is now central to India’s development and deterrence calculus.