India Condemns Pakistan Over Disinformation Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty

New Delhi: India has criticized Pakistan for spreading “disinformation” concerning the Indus Waters Treaty, which has been suspended following terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahargam last month. Indian Ambassador Parvasaneni Harish, representing India at the United Nations, indicated that the treaty, established 65 years ago, will remain inoperative until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.

This statement arose after Pakistan’s representatives, at a UN session, raised concerns about the consensus, claiming that “Water is not a weapon of war, but a life.”

India decided to suspend the treaty—a 1960 agreement—right after a Pahargam attack that claimed 26 lives. This action was taken after authorities detected links to cross-border terrorism.

Harish stated, “India has always acted responsibly as a riverbank state,” while emphasizing several points regarding Pakistan’s actions. He remarked that India initially entered the treaty with genuine intentions. The preamble of the treaty reflects a spirit of friendship, yet Pakistan has undermined this by engaging in three wars against India and perpetrating thousands of terrorist attacks.

Notably, Harish mentioned that over 20,000 Indians have died in terrorist attacks over the last 40 years, underscoring India’s extraordinary patience and generosity throughout this crisis. He pointed out that terrorism originating from Pakistan jeopardizes civilian lives, religious harmony, and economic stability in India.

He further detailed significant changes over the decades, citing the growing urgency to address security threats from cross-border terrorism alongside the need for clean energy, as well as climate and demographic shifts. The ambassador noted advancements in dam infrastructure technology designed to enhance operational safety and efficiency, which older facilities now struggle with. He expressed concern that Pakistan consistently obstructs necessary modifications to the treaty provisions.

Harish recounted the 2012 terror attack on navigation projects in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that ongoing threats continue to endanger safety and civilian lives. Despite India’s efforts to discuss modifications to the treaty over the past two years, Pakistan has refused to engage, which hinders India’s legitimate rights.

In conclusion, Harish announced that the treaty will remain in suspension until Pakistan, regarded as a global center for terrorism, irreparably ceases its support for such activities, asserting, “It is clear that Pakistan is violating the Indus Water Treaty.”

Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan following the Pahargam attacks. India initiated “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, responding to identified cross-border links by targeting terrorist camps in both Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Following retaliatory strikes, including a significant missile and drone attack from Pakistan, Indian forces targeted Pakistani airfields, leading to a ceasefire on May 10, which halted hostilities.