The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified India’s stance on the Indus Waters Treaty, dismissing Pakistan’s warnings as ‘unwarranted and baseless.’
The MEA’s statement comes in response to Pakistan’s claims that India is planning to unilaterally alter the treaty, which governs the sharing of water from six rivers between the two countries.
India’s Position Remains Unchanged
The MEA emphasized that India’s position on the treaty remains consistent, and that it continues to engage with Pakistan through diplomatic channels to resolve any issues.
The treaty, signed in 1960, allows India to use water from the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, while Pakistan is entitled to use water from the Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus rivers.
India has been accused of violating the treaty by constructing various hydroelectric power projects, including the Kishanganga hydroelectric project, which Pakistan claims will affect its share of water.
The MEA has denied these allegations, stating that India has followed all the necessary procedures and obtained the required clearance from the World Bank, which is the institution responsible for implementing the treaty.
Pakistan’s Warnings Unfounded
Pakistan’s warnings are seen as an attempt to divert attention from its own actions, including the construction of various dams on the Chenab river, which India claims is a violation of the treaty.
The MEA has stated that it is surprised by Pakistan’s ‘inconsistencies’ and ‘ double standards’ in dealing with the treaty.
Pakistan’s actions, the MEA said, are ‘not in the spirit of the treaty’ and are ‘unacceptable’ to India.
The MEA has also stressed that India will continue to engage with Pakistan to resolve any issues related to the treaty, but will not compromise on its rights under the treaty.
Next Steps Uncertain
The next steps in this matter are uncertain, but it is clear that the issue will not be resolved anytime soon.
The MEA has stated that India will continue to engage with Pakistan through diplomatic channels to resolve any issues related to the treaty.
Pakistan, on the other hand, has threatened to take India to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if it does not comply with the treaty.
The outcome of this situation will depend on the actions of both countries and their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the issue.
For now, India’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty remains unchanged, and it will continue to assert its rights under the treaty while engaging with Pakistan to resolve any issues.