'India will not reinstate Indus Waters Treaty'; Amit Shah issues stern warning to Pakistan

NEW DELHI: India's Home Minister Amit Shah has issued a stern warning to Pakistan regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. In an interview with a national media outlet, Shah stated that India will not, under any circumstances, reinstate the treaty. He added that the water will be diverted for domestic use and that Pakistan, having violated the treaty, will face water shortages as a result.

He said that the water that previously flowed into Pakistan will now be diverted to Rajasthan through newly constructed canals. The loss of this unfairly accessed water will severely affect Pakistan, said Shah. While international agreements cannot be unilaterally terminated, India has the right to suspend them, he said.

The Indus Waters Treaty, he noted, was originally signed in the interest of peace and progress between both nations. However, Shah accused Pakistan of violating its terms, rendering the agreement void. "Once a treaty is violated, it ceases to have validity. We will use the water that rightfully belongs to us," he said.

He further alleged that the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam—intended to destabilize peace in Jammu and Kashmir, damage the tourism sector, and mislead local youth—was a part of Pakistan’s broader strategy. Regardless of Pakistan’s actions, India will not hesitate to respond firmly, Shah added.

The Indian government began suspending aspects of the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.