India, Pakistan Explore Backchannel Deal Linking Airspace Access to Conditional Revival of Indus Waters Treaty: Sources

India and Pakistan are reportedly considering a significant backchannel formula under which Pakistan would reopen its airspace to Indian aircraft in exchange for a partial or conditional restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), according to sources familiar with the discussions.

According to Baaghi Tv sources, the proposed framework has reportedly received broad support within Indian official circles and is being explored as part of a wider package of confidence-building measures between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Under the proposal, New Delhi is prepared to discuss the revival of the Indus Waters Treaty not through a full restoration of the existing agreement but through amendments or new administrative arrangements that would provide India with greater operational flexibility for its projects on the western rivers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-standing assertion that “blood and water cannot flow together” has made it politically difficult for the Indian government to be seen as fully reversing its earlier position on the treaty. Consequently, Indian policymakers are considering presenting any breakthrough as a revised technical framework or updated administrative mechanism rather than a straightforward restoration of the agreement.

Sources said that during a recent meeting involving India’s military leadership and the country’s designated Charge d’Affaires for Pakistan, senior officials issued important directives regarding future engagement with Islamabad.

If an understanding is reached, issues including air connectivity, water disputes and other confidence-building measures would form part of a comprehensive package to be shared with Pakistani authorities in a manner acceptable to both sides.

India is also expected to reiterate its longstanding position that Pakistan must take verifiable and sustained measures against cross-border terrorism. Proposals to immediately restore intelligence and security contacts between the two countries are also expected to be placed before Pakistani officials.

Under the phased approach being considered for the Indus Waters Treaty, the first stage would focus on restoring data sharing mechanisms, flood early-warning arrangements and technical-level contacts. Discussions may also include granting India greater operational flexibility for hydroelectric projects on the western rivers and revising dispute-resolution mechanisms, including new timelines for arbitration and consultations.

The package could further include the restoration of airspace access or the provision of limited aviation facilities by both countries.

Diplomatic engagement is also expected to feature prominently in the discussions. Indian officials are reportedly of the view that since Pakistan had previously downgraded diplomatic relations, Islamabad should take the initiative in restoring full diplomatic engagement and facilitating the return of high commissioners.

New Delhi is said to be carefully crafting language that would allow it to argue domestically that it has not restored the treaty in its previous form but has instead created a new administrative framework suited to changed circumstances, thereby avoiding any contradiction with Prime Minister Modi’s earlier statements.

The broader initiative reportedly aims to advance cooperation on water issues, trade, air connectivity and diplomatic relations through a single comprehensive package.

Sources further indicated that if negotiations over the Indus Waters Treaty prove successful, India may consider slowing down or temporarily pausing work on certain disputed water projects or proposed canal developments.

Diplomatic sources also noted that the early replacement of Geetika Srivastava as India’s Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad, despite her tenure being scheduled to end on September 20, 2026, and the appointment of Dr. Satinjal as her successor, is being viewed in some circles as part of efforts to revive bilateral engagement.

Officials on both sides are also said to be considering maintaining strict confidentiality regarding all correspondence and contacts related to the backchannel discussions in order to preserve mutual trust and facilitate progress.