Will the Indus Treaty Stay in Abeyance Until Pakistan Stops Supporting Cross-Border Terrorism?
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Synopsis
India's firm stance on the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan's support for terrorism sets the stage for potential dialogues. With PM Modi emphasizing bilateral engagements, tensions remain palpable as both nations navigate the complex landscape of Kashmir, trade, and security. Will Pakistan's actions alter the trajectory of this critical treaty?
Key Takeaways
- Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended due to terrorism concerns.
- India insists on bilateral engagement with Pakistan.
- Pakistan must renounce support for cross-border terrorism for negotiations.
- Saudi Arabia proposed as a potential neutral venue for talks.
- Focus areas include Kashmir, water rights, and trade.
New Delhi, May 22 (NationPress) On Thursday, India reaffirmed that any engagement with Pakistan must be conducted bilaterally. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably renounces its backing of cross-border terrorism.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly media briefing, "Any India-Pakistan engagement has to be bilateral. I would like to remind you that talks and terror cannot coexist. Regarding terrorism, we are open to discussing the extradition of notable terrorists previously listed for Pakistan's attention."
He further clarified, "Any bilateral discussions concerning Jammu and Kashmir will only address the withdrawal of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan. Once again, I stress that the Indus Waters Treaty will be suspended until Pakistan convincingly and permanently abandons its support for cross-border terrorism. As our Prime Minister has articulated, water and blood cannot flow together, and trade cannot coexist with terror."
This strong stance from India followed a proposal from Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who suggested Saudi Arabia as a neutral site for India-Pakistan discussions, with the United States potentially mediating.
In Islamabad, Sharif mentioned that any negotiations would occur at the National Security Advisors (NSA) level and focus on Kashmir, water rights, terrorism, and trade.
Shehbaz noted that tensions between India and Pakistan are slowly de-escalating since military operations on both sides began to communicate.
"If discussions occur between both nations, the National Security Advisor will represent Pakistan. Saudi Arabia could serve as a neutral venue, with the US facilitating. However, India has yet to accept any neutral site for dialogue," he remarked.
Sharif added, "The agenda will include key topics such as Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism during Pakistan-India discussions."
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's uncompromising position against terrorism, asserting that there will be no dialogue or trade with Islamabad unless it relinquishes its illegal occupation of Kashmir.
"Any discussions will revolve around Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). If Pakistan continues to export terrorism, it will find itself begging for every penny, and it won't receive even a drop of Indian water," he stated at a rally in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
PM Modi also warned, "Playing with the blood of Indians will come at a high cost for Pakistan."
Point of View
I emphasize that our commitment lies with the nation. India's unwavering stance against terrorism and insistence on bilateral talks showcases our determination to secure national interests. While we remain open to dialogue, it is imperative that Pakistan addresses its support for terror. Our position is clear: safety and integrity of our nation come first.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, established in 1960, which allocates the use of river waters from the Indus River system.
Why is the treaty currently in abeyance?
The treaty is in abeyance due to ongoing concerns over Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism, which India has stated must cease for the treaty to be fully operational.
What does India expect from Pakistan for future talks?
India expects Pakistan to credibly and irrevocably renounce its support for terrorism as a prerequisite for any future bilateral discussions.
Who proposed Saudi Arabia as a neutral venue for talks?
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposed Saudi Arabia as a neutral venue for potential talks between India and Pakistan.
What key issues will be discussed in potential talks?
Potential talks will likely cover key issues such as Kashmir, water rights, trade, and terrorism.
