India on Friday reaffirmed that there is no change in its position on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), maintaining that the 1960 water-sharing agreement with Pakistan will remain in abeyance until Islamabad takes credible and irreversible steps to end its support for cross-border terrorism.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued the clarification after Pakistan’s Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik warned that Islamabad would “cut off those hands” that attempted to claim Pakistan’s share of water under the treaty. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also asserted that the World Bank-brokered agreement remained legally binding and could not be suspended or amended unilaterally.
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Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated New Delhi’s stand.
“India’s position regarding the Indus Waters Treaty remains unchanged. The treaty continues to remain in abeyance because of Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism. We urge Pakistan to abjure promoting cross-border terrorism,” Jaiswal said.
India suspended the implementation of the treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack, arguing that terrorism and bilateral cooperation cannot coexist. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier underlined the government’s position by stating that “blood and water cannot flow together.”
New Delhi has also argued that the treaty has become inequitable over time, citing India’s growing water requirements and changing geopolitical realities.
Pakistan has strongly objected to India’s move, terming it “illegal” and warning that any attempt to disrupt water flows would invite a strong response. Islamabad has also approached international forums, including the Permanent Court of Arbitration, while raising the issue at the United Nations.
During the briefing, the MEA also condemned Pakistan’s recent military strikes inside Afghanistan that reportedly resulted in civilian casualties. Reaffirming India’s support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Jaiswal said New Delhi’s engagement with Kabul continues through humanitarian assistance and development projects.
On a separate issue, the MEA said the Indian Embassy in Caracas has sought a thorough investigation into the death of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan in Venezuela following allegations that some of his organs were missing. The ministry said it remains in touch with Venezuelan authorities and is closely monitoring the case.
