Should Natural Resources Be Shared Based on Treaties? UN Spokesperson on IWT
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Synopsis
The UN spokesperson underscores the importance of sharing natural resources based on treaties, particularly in light of recent tensions surrounding the Indus Water Treaty. This article explores the implications of political statements and actions on water-sharing agreements between India and Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
- Natural resources sharing should follow treaties for mutual benefit.
- Political tensions can affect water-sharing agreements.
- The Indus Water Treaty was signed in 1960 and facilitated by the World Bank.
- Recent remarks by Indian leaders challenge the treaty's future.
- Pakistan views any withholding of water as a significant threat.
United Nations, June 24 (NationPress) Natural resources ought to be shared according to treaties, emphasized the UN spokesperson regarding the Indus Water Treaty (IWT).
A journalist inquired during the daily briefing on Monday with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, about Union Home Minister Amit Shah's reported remark that the Indus Water Treaty would "never be restored".
Dujarric clarified that he had not seen Shah's quote, but stressed that it is vital for natural resources to be distributed based on agreements that both parties find acceptable.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paused the water-sharing provisions of the treaty as a response to Islamabad after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam last April by The Resistance Front, linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayiba, which is recognized as a terrorist organization globally.
In a recent interview with The Times of India, Shah stated, "We will redirect the water that was previously flowing to Pakistan towards Rajasthan by building a canal".
He added, "Pakistan will be deprived of water that it has been receiving unjustly".
Last month, PM Modi remarked that the treaty was poorly negotiated and failed to account for demographic shifts and other changes.
This agreement to share river waters was brokered by the World Bank and signed in 1960 by then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan’s leader Ayub Khan.
Without delving into specifics, PM Modi commented, "India's water that used to flow outside will now serve India's needs and be utilized for our country".
Pakistan has warned that any attempt to withhold Indus River water would be regarded as "an act of war".
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the delicate balance between national interests and international treaties. The ongoing discourse surrounding the Indus Water Treaty not only affects India and Pakistan but also raises broader questions about resource sharing and diplomacy in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
NationPress
24/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indus Water Treaty?
The Indus Water Treaty is a water-sharing agreement signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, facilitated by the World Bank. It regulates the use of waters from the Indus River and its tributaries.
Why is the Indus Water Treaty under scrutiny?
Recent political statements and actions by Indian leaders regarding water distribution have raised concerns about the treaty's future and its implications for bilateral relations.
What does the UN say about sharing natural resources?
The UN spokesperson emphasized that natural resources should be shared based on mutually accepted treaties, highlighting the importance of cooperation and diplomatic dialogue.
What are the potential consequences of withholding water?
Pakistan has warned that any attempt to withhold Indus River water could be seen as an act of war, escalating tensions between the two nations.
How has India responded to recent tensions?
India, under PM Modi's leadership, has paused water-sharing under the treaty, citing security concerns and the need to prioritize national interests.
