New Delhi: After Pakistan’s warning, India once again made it clear on Friday that its stand on the Indus Water Treaty has not changed. The Foreign Ministry said that unless Islamabad takes firm and credible steps to stop supporting cross-border terrorism, the treaty will remain on hold.
MEA reiterated the condition
In the media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "India’s stand on the Indus Water Treaty remains the same as before. Pakistan is continuously promoting cross border terrorism, hence IWT is on hold. Pakistan will have to give up its support for terrorism in a credible and concrete manner."
What was Pakistan’s threat?
This statement of the Foreign Ministry has come in response to the statement of Pakistan Minister Musadik Malik in which he had said that Islamabad will hand over those "will cut" Who will try to claim Pakistan’s waters under the treaty.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar also reiterated the government’s stand. He said that the agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960 is legally binding. It cannot be stopped or changed unilaterally.
When and why was the treaty stopped?
The Indus Water Treaty was signed on 19 September 1960 under the mediation of the World Bank. After nine years of negotiations, this treaty was signed for the sharing and management of rivers between India and Pakistan.
After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, India had taken many strict steps against Pakistan. The decision to stop the Indus Water Treaty was also included in these. India had clearly said that Pakistan is continuously supporting cross-border terrorism, hence the treaty was suspended.
India’s stance on Teesta River Project
On the question asked regarding Teesta River Project, Randhir Jaiswal said that India’s development assistance to Bangladesh is based on a mutually agreed roadmap. It is reviewed regularly.
He told that India has already given its opinion to Bangladesh on Teesta project. India will consider all aspects while deciding its overall approach on this issue.
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