UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has strongly criticised India at the United Nations, exposing New Delhi’s politicising water issues and undermining the Indus Waters Treaty through unilateral actions.
The exchange took place during a high-level event marking World Water Day, where Pakistan’s Second Secretary Aleena Majeed exercised her right of reply after remarks by the Indian delegation.
India’s representative had stated that the treaty would remain “in abeyance” until Pakistan takes what it described as credible and irreversible steps against terrorism, while also arguing that changing environmental and technological realities require revisions to the decades-old agreement.
It is to be remembered that under the framework of the treaty itself, and the Vienna Convention on Laws of Treaties (VCLT), a treaty can only be amended or suspended. International law doesn’t recognize putting a treaty under abeyance.
Responding to these claims, Majeed rejected the remarks as unfounded and emphasised that the treaty, signed in 1960, has withstood wars and prolonged tensions between the two countries, including disputes over Jammu and Kashmir.
She argued that India’s unilateral decision to suspend the indus water treaty represents a serious breach of its legal framework, noting that the agreement contains no provision allowing either party to suspend or modify it independently.
Majeed warned that such actions amount to the “weaponisation of water” for political purposes, potentially endangering millions who rely on the shared river system for their livelihoods.
Referring to ongoing legal proceedings, she said a recent ruling by the Court of Arbitration reaffirmed that the treaty remains valid and binding, and that neither side has the authority to render it inoperative unilaterally.
She also dismissed India’s allegations of terrorism as baseless, accusing New Delhi of attempting to deflect attention from its own actions, including alleged cross-border activities and human rights concerns.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, Majeed said the country remains committed to upholding international law and ensuring the full and faithful implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty.