Why Is Pakistan Raising River Issues While UNSC Discusses Maritime Security?
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Synopsis
As the UN Security Council focuses on maritime security and sea terrorism, Pakistan diverts the discussion to its longstanding river dispute with India. This article examines the implications of Pakistan's claims about the Indus River amid rising tensions and regional security dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- UNSC's focus on maritime security amid regional tensions.
- Pakistan's fixation on India diverts discussions.
- Indus Water Treaty suspended after terrorist attacks.
- IORA's exclusion of Pakistan highlights geopolitical dynamics.
- Ongoing regional instability impacts security frameworks.
United Nations, May 21 (NationPress) While the Security Council engaged in discussions about maritime security and voiced concerns over sea terrorism, Pakistan attempted to divert attention to a river issue, specifically the Indus water.
This aligns with Islamabad’s ongoing fixation on India-related matters, which often creates a scenario reminiscent of a theatre of the absurd.
Without explicitly naming India, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, referred to it as “one major country,” alleging that it exhibited a troubling tendency to usurp and weaponise shared natural resources, including transboundary rivers, in a blatant violation of treaty obligations and the principles of good neighbourliness.
Following a massacre of 26 individuals in Pahalgam last month by the terrorist group The Resistance Front, which is based in and supported by Pakistan, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty.
Reacting to this, Ahmad claimed that India was “leveraging geography” to harm Pakistan, the lower riparian state.
By employing innuendo instead of direct references, he aimed to prevent India from exercising its right of reply to counter these claims.
India’s Permanent Representative, P. Harish, chose to disregard Ahmad's comments during the session.
Ahmad expressed dissatisfaction over Pakistan’s exclusion from the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), a coalition of 23 nations focused on maritime cooperation and a strong stance against terrorism.
The “coercive diplomacy” of “one major country” has resulted in the systematic exclusion of neighboring states from regional maritime security frameworks, he lamented.
India initiated the establishment of the IORA and opposes Pakistan’s membership due to its links to terrorism. Furthermore, Ahmad criticized the so-called “aggressive naval expansion” by the “one major country,” noting that Pakistan cannot afford an aircraft carrier and relies on military assistance from China and Turkey.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. While discussions about maritime security are vital, Pakistan's attempts to link these to the Indus water dispute reveal a strategic maneuvering that complicates regional diplomacy. It's essential to maintain focus on facts while acknowledging the broader geopolitical context.
NationPress
01/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indus Water Treaty?
The Indus Water Treaty is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan that governs the use of waters from the Indus River system.
Why did India suspend the Indus Water Treaty?
India suspended the treaty following a terrorist attack by a group with ties to Pakistan, which led to security concerns about water resource management.
What is the Indian Ocean Rim Association?
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a regional organization aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and maritime security among its member states.
What are the broader implications of Pakistan's claims?
Pakistan's claims about the Indus River can escalate tensions with India, impacting regional stability and cooperation on broader security issues.
How does this situation affect international relations?
The ongoing disputes between India and Pakistan over water resources can strain their bilateral relations and influence international diplomatic efforts in the region.
