Our Bureau
Dushanbe
India attended the first United Nations conference on glaciers that was held in Tajikistan’s Dushanbe this Friday, and made its stance clear regarding the Indus Waters Treaty with neighbors Pakistan. Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh, had stated clearly that Pakistan should stop spreading lies and blaming India for breaching the Indus Waters Treaty.
The Indian Minister explained that India didn’t breach the terms of the treaty. It was Pakistan who has violated the terms through the terrorism they are breeding in their soil. These terrorists have attacked India time and time again and scarred the lands with the most recent example being the attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Mr. Singh said, “We are appalled at the attempt by Pakistan to misuse the forum and to bring in unwarranted references to issues which do not fall within the purview of the forum. We strongly condemned such an attempt. However, the unrelenting cross-border terrorism from Pakistan interferes with the ability to exploit the treaty as per its provisions. Pakistan, which itself is in violation of the treaty, should desist from putting the blame of the breach of the treaty on India.”
The Minister also specified that the treaty was signed when the circumstances were way different and now that things have changed majorly, the treaty’s obligation will require reassessment. He stated that these changes can include technological advancements, demographic changes, climate change and the constant threat of cross-border terrorism that Pakistan poses.
This Friday, while addressing the International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke that Pakistan would not stand and watch India crossing the red line and illegally breach the Indus Water Treaty. He termed India’s move as deeply regrettable and one which can harm the lives of millions.
“India’s unilateral and illegal decision to hold in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus Basin’s water, is deeply regrettable,” PM Sharif said.
