Indus Waters Treaty on Hold Until Terror Ends: EAM Jaishankar Sends Stern Message to Pakistan

By A Staff Reporter

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has firmly rejected Pakistan’s appeal to reconsider the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, linking any future engagement on the issue to the complete cessation of cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistani soil.

Speaking on the matter, Jaishankar stated, “The Indus Waters Treaty is held in abeyance and will continue to be held in abeyance until the cross-border terrorism by Pakistan is credibly and irrevocably stopped.” His remarks signal India’s resolve to use both diplomatic and strategic levers in response to Pakistan’s continued support for terror groups targeting India.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 and long seen as a symbol of bilateral cooperation despite tensions, was partially suspended by India earlier this year in protest against escalating terror activity and provocative statements from Islamabad.

Jaishankar also responded to Pakistan’s repeated internationalization of the Kashmir issue, stating unequivocally: “Sometimes the Kashmir issue has been brought up. The only thing which remains to be discussed on Kashmir is the vacating of illegally occupied Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and we are open to discussing that with Pakistan.”