India Accuses Pakistan of Breaching Indus Water Treaty Amid Rising Tensions

India's Strong Stance on the Indus Water Treaty

In a recent statement at the United Nations, India has accused Pakistan of undermining the Indus Water Treaty, claiming that Pakistan's actions have led to numerous terrorist attacks and hindered necessary infrastructure updates. India's Permanent Representative, P Harish, emphasized that despite these provocations, India has exercised remarkable patience.

Harish responded to Pakistan's allegations regarding the treaty's suspension, asserting that India will keep the treaty on hold until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. He clarified that it is Pakistan that is in violation of the treaty, not India.

Following a tragic incident where 26 individuals were killed by terrorists linked to Pakistan, India announced the suspension of the 1960 treaty, which was established under the World Bank's guidance to ensure Pakistan's access to water from the Indus River and its tributaries.

During an informal Security Council meeting focused on safeguarding water resources during conflicts, Harish highlighted the challenges that have emerged since the treaty's inception.

He noted significant changes in security dynamics due to escalating cross-border terrorism, alongside increasing demands for clean energy, climate change, and demographic shifts. While advancements in dam technology have improved safety and water efficiency, many older dams now face serious safety issues.

Harish pointed out that India has repeatedly sought discussions with Pakistan over the past two years to amend the treaty, but these requests have been consistently ignored.

He criticized Pakistan for obstructing any modifications to the treaty's provisions, which are allowed under its terms. Harish reiterated that the treaty's foundation is built on goodwill and friendship, yet Pakistan has waged three wars against India and conducted thousands of terrorist attacks.

These actions, he stated, pose a continuous threat to the safety of Indian projects and the lives of civilians. Over the past forty years, more than 20,000 Indians have lost their lives to terrorism, with the latest attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam last month. He also recalled a 2012 attack on the Tulbul Navigation Project in Jammu and Kashmir.