India has reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible steps to end support for terrorism.
Speaking at a United Nations event marking World Water Day 2026, India’s Permanent Representative Harish Parvathaneni said New Delhi was compelled to take the decision after repeated provocations and failure of bilateral engagement.
“It was not my intention to comment on a bilateral issue in this forum, but I am compelled to respond as Pakistan has chosen to misuse today’s meeting,” he said, addressing the gathering themed “Water and Gender Equality.”
Harish stated that India had signed the treaty over six decades ago “in good faith and in a spirit of goodwill and friendship,” but alleged that Pakistan violated this understanding through wars and continued support for terrorism.
“Our patience and magnanimity did not change Pakistan’s ways. Eventually, we were compelled to announce that the Treaty will be held in abeyance until Pakistan, the global epicentre of terror, credibly and irrevocably ends its support for all forms of terrorism,” he said.
He further emphasised that “responsibility is a two-way street,” adding that Pakistan must “unconditionally abjure terrorism as an instrument of state policy” and “uphold the sanctity of human life before talking of upholding the sanctity of treaties.”
India had placed the treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack last year, attributed to The Resistance Front, an outfit linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The envoy also highlighted the need to revisit the treaty in light of “fundamental changes” over the past 65 years, including advancements in dam technology, evolving clean energy requirements, and climate and demographic shifts. He noted that India’s efforts to initiate discussions on treaty modifications had been repeatedly rejected by Pakistan.
Despite the sharp remarks, India underscored its commitment to responsible water governance and sustainable development. Harish said water remains central to achieving global development goals, even as progress on ensuring universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation continues to lag.
He highlighted India’s flagship Jal Jeevan Mission as one of the world’s largest initiatives aimed at providing piped drinking water to rural households. The programme places strong emphasis on community participation, with village water committees—many led by women—playing a key role in planning and managing local water systems.
India also called for greater international cooperation on water management, stressing the importance of strengthening national capacities, promoting technological innovation, and advancing scientific collaboration, particularly in developing countries.
Reaffirming its global commitment, India said it looks forward to engaging in upcoming international platforms, including future UN water-related forums, to advance inclusive and sustainable approaches to water governance.
