India's decision to suspend the treaty marks a significant diplomatic shift. Pakistan depends heavily on these rivers for agriculture and civilian water supply. "Water cannot be weaponised," Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told Reuters news agency on Monday, adding that "unilateral withdrawal has no legal basis".

Pakistani officials have said Saturday’s ceasefire with India reestablished deterrence. But New Delhi insists the rules of engagement have irrevocably changed.

Civilian airports were reopened and stocks jumped in both nations, signs of confidence that the agreement to halt the most alarming fighting in decades was holding.