Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made his initial public statement regarding India’s recent suspension of the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, emphasizing that water resources rightfully belonging to India will now be retained for domestic use.
During an ABP News event on Tuesday, the Prime Minister declared in Hindi, “Pehle Bharat ke haq ka paani bhi bahar ja raha tha… ab Bharat ka paani, Bharat ke haq mein bahega, Bharat ke haq mein rukega aur Bharat ke hi kaam aayega,” which translates to “Previously, even India’s rightful share of water was flowing outside… now, India’s water will flow for India, remain in India, and benefit India.”
This statement follows the government’s recent announcement suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a significant water-sharing agreement that was facilitated by the World Bank and signed with Pakistan in 1960. The suspension comes in direct response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 civilian casualties on April 22.
India, which has consistently raised concerns about cross-border terrorism, implemented this punitive measure against Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam incident. The decision to suspend the treaty was reached by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the highest government authority on national security matters. Government officials have clarified that the suspension will continue until Pakistan terminates its support for cross-border terrorism.
This marks the first official suspension of the treaty since its establishment over six decades ago, representing a significant shift in India’s diplomatic approach. Despite occasional calls for review amid ongoing tensions between the two nations, the agreement had previously remained intact.
In his address, PM Modi also criticized previous administrations for their reluctance to make difficult decisions, stating, “There was a time when, before taking any essential step, people used to think what the world would think… They used to think whether they would get a vote, and whether their seat would be safe. Because of these reasons, major reforms were delayed. No country can move forward like this. The country moves forward when we keep the nation first.”