On April 24, Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Jal Shakti Ministry in India, notified her Pakistani counterpart about India's intention to seek amendments to the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). This decision is largely due to fundamental changes in circumstances that have occurred over the last 65 years, exacerbated by sustained cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, particularly affecting regions in Jammu and Kashmir. India's call for review followed the tragic killing of 26 Hindu tourists in Pahalgam by terrorists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to tackle terrorism decisively, leading to an uptick in hostilities between the two nations, which eventually culminated in a ceasefire on May 17.

Key points from the article include:

• India has formally requested modifications to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) due to significant changes in circumstances since its inception in 1960.
• The decision to review the treaty follows a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam that targeted Hindus, prompting India's government to keep the treaty in abeyance.
• The IWT has persisted for over 65 years despite a growing recognition of its declining relevance in contemporary conditions.
• Population and economic growth in both India and Pakistan: India’s population has grown from 445 million in 1960 to 1.46 billion today, while Pakistan's population has increased from 45.7 million to 255 million.
• Urbanization rates have nearly doubled in both countries since the treaty was signed, reflecting changing demographic dynamics.
• India's economic growth significantly outpaces that of Pakistan, now with a per capita GDP of $2,698 compared to Pakistan's $1,647.
• Increased demand for water is driven by population growth, urbanization, and rising living standards, while poor water management has exacerbated the situation.
• The agricultural sectors in both countries are highly water-intensive, requiring significant reform for sustainable management.
• Water tables in Punjab regions in both countries have been declining by over 50 cm per year, signifying unsustainable water practices.
• Changing climate conditions, including melting Himalayan glaciers and increasing droughts and floods, have compounded water management challenges since the IWT's signing.
• Rising temperatures across the northern Indian Subcontinent, with extreme heat events leading to increased electricity demand for cooling, further strain water resources.
• The original IWT did not encompass groundwater, water quality, or climate change implications, rendering it outdated in the current context.
• There is a necessity for a revised treaty that includes provisions for adaptability to address modern water management challenges, as research for such "living" treaties is currently lacking in both nations.
• Pakistan has expressed openness to discussing India's concerns about the IWT, underlining the pressing need for an updated framework to manage shared water resources.

Both India and Pakistan face critical water management issues requiring urgent attention and cooperation, particularly with the impending forces of climate change and demographic pressures. The IWT's relevance hinges on adaptability and a collective acknowledgment of shared vulnerabilities to ensure sustainable water management in the future.

On April 24, Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of India's Jal Shakti Ministry, communicated with her Pakistani counterpart, Syed Ali Murtaza, regarding India's decision to seek modifications to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) signed in 1960. Mukherjee attributed this initiative to fundamental changes over the past 65 years and the "sustained cross-border terrorism" from Pakistan, specifically noting its impact on India's ability to fully utilize its rights under the treaty. In light of recent terrorist attacks that specifically targeted Hindus, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to take strong action against terrorism. As a protective measure, India has decided to keep the treaty "in abeyance."

Key points discussed in the article include the following:

• The Indus Waters Treaty has been in effect for 65 years but shows signs of obsolescence due to demographic and economic changes in both India and Pakistan.
• The population of India has increased from 445 million in 1960 to approximately 1.46 billion today, while Pakistan's population has grown from 45.7 million to 255 million.
• Urbanization has also escalated, significantly raising water demand. India now sees 36% of its population in urban areas, compared to 17.94% in 1960.
• Hydrological challenges have worsened due to agricultural developments, leading to unsustainable water management practices in both countries.
• There is a growing concern about declining groundwater levels due to overexploitation related to intensive agricultural practices.
• The treaty predominantly addressed surface water but failed to consider crucial aspects like groundwater, water quality, and modern water demand management.
• The emerging climate crisis has introduced stress factors like climate change, natural disasters (droughts and floods), and extreme temperatures, which the IWT does not adequately address.
• The current heatwaves in India and Pakistan, with temperatures reaching dangerously high levels, have further increased the demand for water, especially for agricultural and energy production needs.
• Both countries will need to rethink and adapt their water management practices urgently.
• Despite the growing urgencies, there is little significant research being conducted in either nation on how to renegotiate or modernize the treaty.

The text underscores the increasing complexities surrounding water management in the Indus Basin, necessitating a reevaluation of the IWT. This evolution is imperative not only in light of changing demographic and environmental conditions but also due to the urgent need for sustainable water strategies that accommodate the growing needs of both populations.

In conclusion, the durability of the Indus Waters Treaty is under question, and cooperation will be essential for both nations moving forward to face their water crises effectively. The article emphasizes the need for collaborative dialogue and modernized approaches to ensure that water management aligns with contemporary realities and challenges.

Summary of Colombia Joining China's Belt and Road Initiative

On May 14, 2025, Colombia officially joined China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), marking a significant move in the geopolitical landscape of Latin America. This decision comes amidst increasing tensions between the U.S. and China, with Latin America becoming a critical battleground as both superpowers vie for influence in the region.

• Strategic Shift: Colombia's agreement to join the BRI signifies a strategic pivot towards China, potentially reshaping its foreign relations.
• Historical Context: China has become the largest trading partner for several Latin American countries, including Brazil, Peru, and Chile, surpassing the U.S. in trade relations. Notably, two-thirds of Latin American countries have signed on to the BRI, highlighting a growing alignment with Beijing.
• Investment Opportunities: Colombia's Foreign Ministry described the BRI agreement as a "historic step" that creates new avenues for investment, technological collaboration, and sustainable development.

During a meeting between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Xi encouraged enhanced cooperation following Colombia’s formal integration into the BRI. Petro hailed the agreement as a transformation in Colombia's global interactions, indicating a commitment to equality and freedom in foreign relations.

• BRI Overview: The Belt and Road Initiative has been a cornerstone of Xi Jinping's vision to expand China's economic and political influence worldwide for over a decade. The initiative facilitates funding for infrastructure projects across various nations, giving China substantial political and economic leverage.

A significant highlight of this week's China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing was Xi’s pledge of $9.2 billion in credit to support development initiatives across Latin America. This funding aims to bolster infrastructure, promote clean energy, and enhance bilateral cooperation in areas like counterterrorism and organized crime.

• Regional Responses: During the forum, leaders such as Chilean President Gabriel Boric and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed the need for multilateral cooperation and emphasized the importance of avoiding a new Cold War, asserting that their countries should work towards a harmonious global order.

Xi addressed the challenges posed by increasing unilateralism and protectionism impacting international trade, calling for stronger multilateral coordination among Global South nations.

• U.S.-China Rivalry: The backdrop to Colombia's agreement is the ongoing rivalry between the U.S. and China in Latin America. The U.S. has expressed concerns about Chinese influence, particularly regarding strategic assets like the Panama Canal. The Trump administration had claimed that the Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s operations in this region posed a national security threat. In response, Beijing has dismissed such concerns as unfounded.

Overall, Colombia's accession to the Belt and Road Initiative underlines a significant geopolitical realignment in Latin America, favoring growing Chinese influence and investment while challenging long-standing U.S. dominance in the hemisphere.

Key Points:

• Colombia formally joined China's Belt and Road Initiative on May 14, 2025.
• The agreement signifies a strategic alignment with China against U.S. influence in Latin America.
• Colombia's Foreign Ministry hailed the move as a critical opportunity for investment and cooperation.
• Xi Jinping emphasizes multilateralism and coordination during discussions at the China-CELAC Forum.
• The U.S. and China are engaged in an ongoing rivalry for influence and access to critical infrastructure in the region.

On May 13, 2025, the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) issued a significant ruling, holding Russia responsible for the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) over Ukraine in 2014, which led to the tragic loss of 298 lives. This ruling not only reaffirms accountability but also opens the door for potential compensation to the families of the victims.

Key points from the ruling and the context surrounding it include:

• Historical Context: MH17 was shot down on July 17, 2014, while traveling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. An investigation led by the Dutch authorities concluded in 2016 that the aircraft was downed by a Buk missile system originating from Russian efforts and used by separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.

• Russia's Denial: Moscow continues to deny any responsibility for the tragedy, despite the findings of the investigation.

• Legal Actions: In 2022, the Dutch and Australian governments initiated proceedings against Russia within the ICAO framework, as alternative recourse through the International Court of Justice was not available due to Russia's refusal to recognize its jurisdiction.

• ICAO Council's Verdict: The Council determined that Russia violated the Chicago Convention, which mandates that states must refrain from using weapons against civilian aircraft in flight. This ruling marks a historic first, as it represents a decision on disputes between whole governments by the ICAO Council, which includes representatives from 193 member states.

• Reparations Discussions: Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp indicated that the ICAO Council would soon consider reparations. Both the Netherlands and Australia are advocating for negotiations with Russia regarding these damages, urging the ICAO Council to facilitate this crucial dialogue.

• Calls for Swift Action: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the need for urgency in determining remedies and called on Russia to acknowledge its responsibilities under international law, stressing the importance of reparations for what she described as a horrific act of violence.

• Awaiting Details: Legal experts, like Don Rothwell from Australian National University, noted that the ICAO Council had yet to publish the detailed reasoning behind its decision. The eventual findings could include specific recommendations for reparations owed by Russia for its violations of international law.

In summary, the ICAO's ruling on May 13, 2025, represents a decisive step in international aviation law, holding Russia accountable for the downing of MH17 and potentially leading to reparations discussions for the families of the victims. The ongoing responses from diplomatic channels indicate that the international community is seeking to address this grave incident and uphold principles of justice and accountability.

Important Sentences:

• The ICAO Council on May 13, 2025, found Russia responsible for the 2014 shooting down of MH17 over Ukraine.
• A Dutch-led investigation concluded the aircraft was hit by a missile from a system provided by Russia.
• Russia denies any involvement in the incident.
• The Netherlands and Australia initiated the ICAO proceeding after the International Court of Justice was deemed not an option.
• The ruling concluded that Russia violated the Chicago Convention regarding the protection of civil aircraft.
• The ICAO's decision is historic as it is the first dispute ruling involving entire governments.
• Discussions on reparations are expected to take place shortly as the Netherlands and Australia seek negotiations with Russia.
• Experts are awaiting the detailed reasoning of the ICAO's decision, which might include specific reparations recommendations.