India has reiterated that its position on the Indus Waters Treaty remains unchanged, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on August 14. This statement followed comments from Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accusing India of unilaterally and illegally suspending the treaty and declaring Pakistan's water a "red line," according to livemint.com.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson emphasized that India's stance on the treaty is well known and there has been no change. The response came after Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office accused India of violating the treaty and undermining peace. Sharif's remarks highlighted Pakistan's firm position on protecting its water resources, describing them as a critical national concern.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs water sharing between India and Pakistan and has been a key framework despite tensions between the two countries. Pakistan's recent accusations and India's firm reiteration of its position underscore ongoing disputes over water rights in the region. The treaty has historically been a rare example of cooperation amid broader geopolitical challenges in South Asia.
Randhir Jaiswal's statement on August 14 confirms that India continues to uphold the treaty's terms amid recent tensions. The Ministry of External Affairs did not indicate any change in policy, maintaining the status quo on the water-sharing agreement between the two nations.