New Delhi, March 20: India has reiterated that the Indus Water Treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan, described as the “global center of terrorism,” improves its conduct.
During an event held on World Water Day, India’s Permanent Representative P. Harish emphasized that Pakistan must respect the sanctity of human life before discussing the sanctity of treaties.
“India has always been a responsible upper riparian state, but responsibility is a two-way street. Pakistan must completely cease using terrorism as a tool of state policy,” he stated.
Harish’s remarks came after Pakistan portrayed itself as the aggrieved party concerning the Indus Water Treaty, while the event focused on ensuring safe water and sanitation access for all, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He noted, “India signed this treaty in 1960 in a spirit of goodwill and friendship, yet Pakistan has violated this spirit by waging three wars against India and conducting thousands of terrorist attacks.”
He added, “Tens of thousands of innocent Indians have fallen victim to Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attacks.” Following a religion-based terrorist attack in Pahalgam by The Resistance Front last year, India suspended the treaty with Pakistan.
“Our patience and generosity have not changed Pakistan’s ways. Ultimately, we had to declare that this treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan, the global center of terrorism, reliably and irrevocably ends its support for all forms of terrorism,” he stated.
Harish pointed out that fundamental changes in the region over the past 65 years, due to technical, demographic, and ecological shifts, have been ignored by Pakistan, which has consistently refused to engage in discussions.
He remarked, “All our attempts to amend the treaty with Pakistan have been rejected.”
Speaking on the event’s theme, he mentioned that World Water Day falls on March 22 this year, and India prioritizes universal access to safe water and sanitation as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
He highlighted that through the Jal Jeevan Mission, India is implementing one of the world’s largest programs to supply piped drinking water to rural households. Since its launch in 2019, the mission has provided safe tap water to 81.76% of rural homes (totaling 15.8 million).
“Community participation is the cornerstone of this effort, with village water committees, many led by women, playing a crucial role in planning, monitoring, and maintaining local water systems,” he added.
He concluded, “Our collective efforts at the United Nations will be most effective when they focus on areas that connect us, such as strengthening national capacities, especially in developing countries, promoting technological innovation, and advancing scientific cooperation.”
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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