The Narendra Modi government may already be taking steps to stop the flow of Indus river water to Pakistan. The Prime Minister wants to correct historical wrongs by stopping the water flow in order to render justice to Indian farmers as well as hurt Pakistan where it matters.

Experts say that, as per the Indus Water Treaty, a share of about 80.52% of Indus water is reserved for Pakistan. Besides, the neighbouring country "also gets substantial waters not utilized by India". Says Brahma Chellaney, "With water stress in India growing, Modi is promising to correct this decades-old anomaly."

For Modi, the water pitch is important both from foreign policy and domestic policy standpoints. Once the stated aim is achieved, the BJP will be in a position to project its pro-farmer stand while buttressing its nationalistic credentials, a columnist says.