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Indus Waters Treaty to remain suspended until Pakistan ends cross-border terrorism: Jaishankar
India reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) would continue to be withheld until Pakistan makes credible steps to dismantle terror networks across the border. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said this on Thursday, emphasizing that peace and cooperation cannot progress under the shadow of terrorism.
No Progress on IWT Without Credible Action
Addressing the press, Jaishankar stated, “The Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance and will remain so until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ends cross-border terrorism.” He added that the sole outstanding issue regarding Kashmir is the requirement that Pakistan withdraw illegally occupied Indian land in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
India followed the April 22 Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir terror attack that killed 26 people, including several tourists. India retaliated by suspending the IWT, shutting down the integrated check post at the Attari border, and downsizing the Pakistani High Commission staff in New Delhi.
India Rejoins Pakistan’s Appeal
As reported by The Times of India, Pakistan had just approached India, seeking to reconsider the suspension and pointing to the reliance of millions on the common river system. Indian authorities are, however, adamant that the reconsideration depends on tangible advances in eradicating terror operations sponsored from the other side of the border.
A top Indian official remarked, “The treaty was negotiated with goodwill in mind. However, Pakistan’s reluctance to address terrorism has undermined the foundation that the treaty stands on.”
Ceasefire Doesn’t Change India’s Stance
New Delhi has stated that the ceasefire deal between the two nations won’t cancel out any measures taken to react to the Pahalgam attack. Suspensions of the treaty are a part of a wider security doctrine designed to force Pakistan to act firmly against terrorist organizations.
Engagement With Afghanistan Reflects Strategic Shift
India has also established direct diplomatic communications with Afghanistan. As Jaishankar had his first conversation with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in recent times since the Taliban came back to power. The discussions were about not using Afghan soil to attack Indian interests and pushing back against Pakistani influence in the region.
The dialogue follows Pakistan’s claim that an Indian missile struck Afghan territory, a charge both India and Afghanistan have rejected as baseless. Afghan defense officials have denied that any such incident took place, much as India has called the claim “ludicrous” in nature.
Security Takes Precedence Over Symbolic Conventions
India is taking a firm stance on the Indian Waters Treaty as a thinking point within Iranian foreign policy. The security measures of this policy prioritize moves against terrorism, overriding legacy commitments. At this moment, with tensions in the region rising, New Delhi is saying with full force that symbolism must not replace sincerity.