India has urged Pakistan to stop blaming it for violating the Indus Waters Treaty, highlighting that cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistani soil disrupts the treaty's implementation. Speaking at the UN’s first conference on glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on Friday, Minister of State for Environment Kirtivardhan Singh remarked that Pakistan is using terrorism to violate this treaty.
'Misusing the platform, Pakistan raises irrelevant issues'
He said, 'We are shocked by Pakistan’s attempt to misuse this platform by raising issues that are outside its scope. We strongly condemn such attempts.' Singh emphasized the undeniable truth that since the treaty was signed, fundamental changes in circumstances necessitate a reevaluation of its terms.
'Pakistan should refrain from blaming India'
He mentioned that these changes include technological advancements, population growth, climate change, and ongoing cross-border terrorism. Kirtivardhan Singh reiterated that the treaty was established in a spirit of goodwill and friendship, and it is imperative to implement it sincerely.
He added, 'However, ongoing cross-border terrorism from Pakistan interferes with India’s ability to utilize the treaty's provisions. Pakistan, which itself violates this treaty, should avoid blaming India for it.'
What did Pakistan say?
Earlier at the same conference, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that his country would not allow India to cross the 'red line' and jeopardize millions of lives for political gain by suspending the treaty.
According to Pakistani newspaper Dawn, Sharif remarked, 'India's unilateral and illegal suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is highly regrettable. This treaty governs the distribution of waters in the Indus basin.'
