India Rejects Pakistan's Threats Over Indus Water Treaty

Tensions between India and Pakistan over the Indus Water Treaty have intensified, with India firmly rejecting Pakistan's threats regarding water sharing. The Indian government has reiterated that the treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. This article delves into the statements made by Indian officials and the historical context of the treaty, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic challenges between the two nations. Additionally, it addresses India's position on the Teesta River project, emphasizing the complexities of regional water management.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 4, 2026, 10:29 IST

Tensions Rise Over Indus Water Treaty

The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan regarding the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) have escalated once again. India has firmly dismissed Pakistan's open threats concerning the withholding of its share of water. The central government made it clear on Friday that there has been no change in its stance on the treaty. India reiterated its strict condition that the treaty will remain suspended until Islamabad completely halts its support for cross-border terrorism and takes concrete actions against it.

India's Firm Stance

The government emphasized that the treaty will remain on hold until Islamabad takes irreversible and solid steps to stop supporting cross-border terrorism. During a media briefing, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, stated that India's position on the treaty remains unchanged. He remarked, "India's stance on the Indus Water Treaty has been consistent. The IWT has been suspended due to Pakistan's ongoing promotion of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan must definitively cease its support for such activities."

Pakistan's Warning

This statement from the Indian government came in response to remarks made by Pakistani Minister Musadik Malik, who threatened that Islamabad would "cut off" the hands of those attempting to claim Pakistan's share of water under the treaty. Supporting the government's position, Pakistan's Information Minister Ataullah Tarar asserted that the agreement, mediated by the World Bank in 1960, is legally binding and cannot be unilaterally suspended or modified.

Historical Context of the Treaty

The Indus Water Treaty was signed on September 19, 1960, following nearly nine years of negotiations, to regulate the distribution and management of the river system between India and Pakistan. After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, India announced several punitive measures against Pakistan, including the decision to suspend the 1960 treaty, citing Pakistan's continuous support for cross-border terrorism as the reason.

Response on Teesta River Project

In response to a question regarding the Teesta River project, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned that India's developmental assistance to Bangladesh is based on a mutually agreed roadmap, which is regularly reviewed. He added that India has already communicated its position on the Teesta River project to Bangladesh and will consider all relevant aspects while determining its overall approach to the issue.