Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance over cross-border terror: Govt amid Pak rhetoric

Reiterating its position on the Indus Waters Treaty, India said the pact will remain in abeyance until Pakistan ends cross-border terrorism. The MEA also condemned Pakistan's strikes in Afghanistan and sought a probe into an Indian seafarer's death in Venezuela.

In Short

• Treaty remains in abeyance until Pakistan ends terrorism support.
• Pakistan warns against disruption of its water share
• Pakistan claims treaty is legally binding and cannot be changed alone

Days after Pakistan warned India against disrupting its share of water under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the Centre on Friday said there was no change in its position and that the treaty would remain in abeyance until Islamabad credibly ends its support for cross-border terrorism.

The remarks by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) came on Friday after Pakistan's Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik warned that Islamabad would "cut off those hands" that sought to claim Pakistan's share of water under the treaty.

Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also insisted that the 1960 World Bank-brokered agreement remained legally binding and could not be suspended or amended unilaterally.

Addressing the weekly media briefing, on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's position.

"India's stand regarding the Indus Waters Treaty is unchanged. The treaty remains in abeyance for Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorism. We will urge Pakistan to abjure promoting cross-border terrorism," he said.

INDIA CONDEMNS PAKISTAN'S STRIKE IN AFGHANISTAN

The MEA also strongly condemned Pakistan's recent military strikes inside Afghan territory that resulted in civilian casualties.

Jaiswal reiterated India's support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity and said New Delhi's engagement with the country continues through humanitarian assistance and development projects.

"Our cooperation with Afghanistan is ongoing. We are sending humanitarian assistance and undertaking development projects there," he said.

WHY INDIA PLACED THE TREATY IN ABEYANCE

India placed the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that cross-border terrorism and bilateral cooperation cannot coexist. Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier highlighted the government's position by stating that "blood and water cannot flow together." New Delhi has also maintained that the treaty has become inequitable over time, arguing that it accords Pakistan extensive rights over the western rivers of the Indus system despite evolving geopolitical realities and India's increasing water requirements.

Pakistan has strongly opposed India's decision, describing it as "illegal" and tantamount to an act of war. Islamabad has repeatedly warned that any disruption in water flows would invite a strong response. It has also intensified diplomatic outreach at the United Nations, pursued legal proceedings through the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and launched an international campaign alleging that India is "weaponising" water.

PROBE SOUGHT INTO INDIAN SEAFARER'S DEATH IN VENEZUELA

Responding to a separate set of questions about the death of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan in Venezuela and allegations that some of his organs were missing, the MEA said the Indian Embassy in Caracas had sought a thorough investigation by the Venezuelan authorities.

The ministry said the embassy has been pursuing the matter with the concerned local authorities since allegations surfaced that Chauhan's mortal remains had been desecrated and organs removed.

The MEA said it was closely following the case and remained in touch with the Venezuelan authorities.

- Ends
With ANI inputs