New Delhi: India on Friday reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will remain in abeyance, maintaining that the decision is linked to Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also said it has already conveyed its views to Bangladesh regarding the proposed Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.
The remarks came during the MEA’s weekly media briefing, where spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated New Delhi’s consistent position on both water-sharing issues amid renewed regional discussions involving Pakistan, Bangladesh and China.
India maintains consistent stand on Indus treaty
Addressing reporters, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty has not changed since it was placed in abeyance.
He stated that the treaty remains suspended in response to Pakistan’s continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.
Jaiswal said Pakistan must take “credible and irrevocable” steps to end its support for cross-border terrorism before any further consideration of the treaty.
India suspended the treaty following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians lost their lives. The government subsequently stated that normal implementation of the treaty could not continue under prevailing circumstances.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier remarked that “blood and water cannot flow together”, asserting that the agreement would remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible and verifiable action against terrorist organisations operating from its territory.
Pakistan criticises India’s decision
The latest statement from the MEA follows a fresh exchange of remarks between India and Pakistan over the future of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari recently criticised India’s decision, describing the Indus River as Pakistan’s lifeline rather than a strategic bargaining tool. He urged Pakistan to convey firmly that any attempt to use water as leverage would be viewed as a threat to the country’s survival.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also criticised India’s move, arguing that the treaty cannot be unilaterally revoked by either party. Referring indirectly to India’s leadership, he claimed that Pakistan’s water supply should not be controlled by another country.
India has consistently maintained that its decision is a direct response to Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism and not an attempt to weaponise water resources.
Water crisis adds to Pakistan’s concerns
The suspension of the treaty comes at a time when Pakistan is facing growing water shortages across several regions.
Agricultural areas in Sindh and parts of Balochistan have reported increasing concerns over declining water availability, adding pressure on the country’s irrigation system and food production.
While Pakistan has raised concerns internationally regarding the treaty’s suspension, India has maintained that meaningful progress depends on Pakistan addressing India’s security concerns.
India comments on Teesta project
During the same briefing, Randhir Jaiswal also responded to questions regarding the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.
He said India’s development cooperation with Bangladesh is based on mutually agreed priorities and regular consultations between the two countries.
According to Jaiswal, India’s views on the proposed Teesta project have already been communicated to the Bangladeshi government.
He added that New Delhi would consider all related developments while formulating its overall approach to issues concerning the Teesta River.
Bangladesh-China cooperation
The MEA’s comments come shortly after Bangladesh and China agreed to cooperate on the management of the Teesta River and other transboundary rivers originating in India.
During a recent visit to China, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman described the Teesta Barrage Master Plan as a national priority and said the project would be implemented without delay.
Chinese officials, however, clarified that their cooperation with Bangladesh on river management is not directed against any third country.
Rahman also highlighted the importance of improving water management infrastructure in Bangladesh, particularly in the Rajshahi and Rangpur regions, where water scarcity continues to affect agriculture and livelihoods.
He said the government is investing in rivers, canals and irrigation projects to address long-standing water management challenges.
Teesta dispute remains unresolved
The Teesta water-sharing issue has remained one of the key unresolved matters between India and Bangladesh for several years.
Bangladesh has consistently sought a larger share of the Teesta River’s flow, particularly during the dry season, while negotiations have continued without a final agreement.
India has repeatedly stated that any decision regarding the Teesta must take into account multiple factors, including domestic considerations and broader bilateral relations.
Conclusion
India has once again made it clear that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible action against cross-border terrorism. At the same time, New Delhi has indicated that it remains engaged with Bangladesh on the Teesta River issue through diplomatic channels while carefully assessing recent regional developments involving China. The statements underline India’s continued emphasis on linking security concerns with bilateral cooperation while maintaining dialogue on transboundary water management.
