In the light of India-Pakistan tensions following the death of 18 soldiers in a terrorist strike at an Army camp in Uri last week, Narendra Modi will be briefed on the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty by senior officials.

PM will be discussing the pros and cons of taking action against Pakistan, and that reconsidering the details of Indus Water Treaty might be one of the possible moves to cause discomfort to Pakistan.

At his speech in Kozhikode on Saturday, Modi hinted that India might explore diplomatic options at present. Taking a fresh look at the Indus treaty, like the PM’s decision to bring up Pakistan’s alleged human rights excesses in Balochistan, is a new dimension to the Indian policy towards its hostile neighbour.

The Indus Water Treaty was signed between Pandit Nehru and Pak president General Ayub Khan in 1960. The treaty has stood two full-scale wars and withdrawing the treaty has risks since it’s an international agreement and legally India can’t withdraw from it alone. The Indus originated in China, who haven’t signed any international treaties, and if it plays foul, then India could lose as much as much as 36% river water. Under the original agreement India has rights over three rivers that flow westward – Sutlej, Beas and Ravi – while Pakistan receives water from the other three – Jhelum, Chenab and Indus.