The Centre has once again firmly stated that there is no question of reviving the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan until that country stops sending terrorists into India. The Ministry of External Affairs made clear that the water treaty is being kept in abeyance for now because of Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism. India took this decision following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed. Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier statement that blood and water cannot flow together, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made it clear that talks on water can only resume once Pakistan completely ends terrorism.
With India halting the water flow, Pakistan has faced a severe water crisis, with crops drying up particularly in its agricultural regions. This has left Pakistani leaders furious with India. Pakistani leader Bilawal Bhutto alleged that the Indus River is a lifeline for his country and accused India of using water as a weapon to trouble Pakistan. Ministers there have claimed that the treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally by one country. However, India has bluntly stated that its decision will not change until Pakistan cracks down on terrorists.
On The Teesta River Project
India also addressed the proposed Teesta river project in Bangladesh during this period. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that it has already conveyed its position on the Teesta issue to the Baladesh government, adding that India’s relations with Bangladesh have always progressed through dialogue. However, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tariq Rehman recently visited China and joined hands with Beijing for the Teesta river project, with Bangladesh stating that it faces severe water shortages and intends to complete the project regardless.
Water scarcity is particularly acute in Bangladeshi regions close to the Indian border, prompting efforts there to restore rivers and canals. India has taken note with concern of China’s involvement in this project. China, for its part, maintains that it is assisting Bangladesh and that this is not directed against India. Nevertheless, India’s Ministry of External Affairs made clear that it is closely monitoring developments and will proceed on the Teesta issue in a manner that safeguards India’s own interests.