Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indicated that the move to impose a freeze on the Indus Water Treaty that halted the supply to Pakistan will not be reconsidered, and stated, “India’s water will be used for India’s interests.”
Water for India’s Progress: Statement of PM Modi
Speaking at an ABP Network event this evening, PM Modi said, “These days, there is a lot of discussion in the media about water… Earlier, even the water that was India’s right was flowing out of the country. Now, India’s water will flow for India’s benefit, it will be conserved for India’s benefit, and it will be used for India’s progress.”
The Indus water plug is one of the various diplomatic steps initiated against Pakistan. It came after the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam town of Jammu and Kashmir. In the attack, 26 individuals lost their lives 25 visitors and one local resident.
Longstanding Treaty Reconsidered by India After Terror Attack
The attack, which left the country in mourning, triggered strong domestic and international reactions. The Indian government has adopted a firm stance against cross-border terrorism. It has made it clear that diplomatic restraint is no longer a sufficient response. The freeze on Indus waters was quickly seen as a direct and strategic move. This decision carries weight, considering the long-standing water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan.
It is also one determined as the most effective, in view of the neighbouring nation’s reliance on the Indus water. India, until now, had been drawing only a fraction of the water it was entitled to as per the 1961 treaty, which had weathered several stand-offs with Islamabad and a war.
The other actions covered closure of the border and cancellation of visas of Pakistan nationals in India.
International Community Rallies Behind India
The attack has united the international community behind India. The issue has also struck a chord in the United Nations, which has called Pakistan to order.
The nation is now gearing up for an unprecedented civil defence security exercise tomorrow to “train civilians and students for effective civil defence in the event of a hostile attack.”
This drill, scheduled across multiple cities, is part of a broader strategy to ensure preparedness amid escalating cross-border tensions.
