India Accuses Pakistan of ‘Terrorism’ as Indus Waters Treaty Grinds to a Halt
India Blasts Pakistan Over Terrorism at UN, Citing Indus Waters Treaty Dispute
India launched a scathing rebuke of Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing its neighbor of fueling terrorism and violating the spirit of the Indus Waters Treaty. The dispute, centered on water sharing from the Indus River system, has escalated following a deadly terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
India Highlights 20,000 Lives Lost to Terror
Speaking at an Arria Formula Meeting on the Indus Waters Treaty, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, pointedly stated that over 20,000 Indian lives have been lost to terrorist attacks over the past four decades. He cited the recent attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, as a stark reminder of Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan Accused of ‘Weaponizing Water’
The tensions flared after Pakistan accused India of using water as a “weapon of war,” a claim India vehemently denied. Ambassador Harish countered by emphasizing that the treaty, signed in 1960, was built on goodwill and cooperation. He accused Pakistan of violating its spirit through three wars and thousands of terror attacks against India.
Treaty Ineffective in Modern Era, Says India
Harish argued that the agreement has failed to keep pace with modern challenges like terrorism, climate change, and the increasing demand for clean energy. He pointed to advancements in dam infrastructure technology, claiming that Pakistan has consistently blocked India’s efforts to implement necessary upgrades for safety and efficiency.
Calls for Treaty Revision Rejected by Pakistan
India has repeatedly sought to engage with Pakistan on updating the treaty’s provisions, but these attempts have been met with resistance. Ambassador Harish stated that Pakistan’s obstructionism prevents India from fully exercising its legitimate rights under the treaty.
Suspension of Treaty Until Pakistan Ends Terrorism
He concluded by stating that the suspension of the treaty is a direct consequence of Pakistan’s ongoing provocations and its refusal to stop supporting terrorism. India has made it clear that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible action to end cross-border terrorism.
Tensions Soar After Pahalgam Attack
The dispute comes after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. India launched “Operation Sindoor” in response, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
