In a significant diplomatic exchange at the United Nations, Pakistan vehemently rejected India’s unfounded accusations linking water issues to terrorism, accusing New Delhi of deliberately politicising the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). This confrontation unfolded during a high-level UN gathering commemorating World Water Day, which this year focused on the crucial theme of water and gender equality. Pakistan’s Second Secretary Aleena Majeed took the floor to respond directly to the Indian representative’s contentious remarks, emphasizing Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the treaty and international law.
The Indian envoy had earlier declared that New Delhi would maintain the Indus Waters Treaty “in abeyance” until Pakistan undertakes credible and irreversible measures against terrorism. Furthermore, the Indian side argued that changing technological, environmental, and demographic realities necessitate revisiting the decades-old agreement. They also claimed that previous efforts to negotiate modifications with Pakistan had failed to progress. These statements sparked a firm rebuttal from Pakistan, highlighting the treaty’s resilience and legal sanctity despite numerous challenges.
Addressing the assembly, Aleena Majeed underscored that the Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, has withstood multiple wars, political crises, and enduring tensions between the two nations, including the sensitive dispute over Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). She pointed out that India’s unilateral decision last April to suspend the treaty represents a serious breach of its legal and historical commitments. Majeed stressed that no clause within the treaty permits any party to unilaterally suspend or alter the agreement, warning that such actions amount to the dangerous “weaponisation of water” for narrow political objectives. This, she cautioned, jeopardizes the livelihoods of millions who depend on the Indus river system for their survival and well-being.
In a related development, Majeed referenced ongoing international legal proceedings at the Court of Arbitration, highlighting a supplemental award issued in 2025 which reaffirmed that the treaty remains fully in force. The ruling clarified that the dispute resolution mechanisms embedded within the treaty are binding and effective, and neither party has the authority to render the agreement inoperative on its own. She urged India to immediately resume full compliance with the treaty’s provisions to avoid further escalation.
Turning to the terrorism allegations, Majeed categorically dismissed India’s claims as “entirely baseless,” describing them as a diversionary tactic aimed at obscuring India’s own record of state-sponsored violence and cross-border provocations. She accused India of perpetuating violence in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and conducting alleged state-backed operations abroad, including in North America. Majeed further asserted that credible evidence exists linking India to support for militant groups responsible for attacks within Pakistan, which have caused significant loss of life.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, she declared that the country firmly rejects any attempts to manipulate water resources for political leverage. Pakistan remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding international law and ensuring the faithful implementation of all treaty obligations. The exchange at the United Nations highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty and the broader geopolitical tensions between the two neighboring countries.
