Pakistan slams India’s refusal to restore water treaty, calls it violation of global norms

Pakistan has strongly condemned Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that New Delhi will never restore the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Islamabad and will instead divert water for internal use.

Terming the remarks as reckless and unlawful, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said they reflect a "brazen disregard for the sanctity of international agreements."

In a recent interview with the Times of India, Shah said, “No, it will never be restored,” referring to India’s decision to suspend its participation in the 1960 treaty that governs water sharing between the two countries.

He further claimed, “We will take water that was flowing to Pakistan to Rajasthan by constructing a canal. Pakistan will be starved of water that it has been getting unjustifiably.”

India had put the treaty into "abeyance" following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead. New Delhi blamed the attack on Pakistan-based militants, a claim Islamabad denies.

Despite a ceasefire agreement reached last month after the worst cross-border hostilities in years, India has not resumed cooperation under the treaty, which had historically ensured Pakistan’s access to nearly 80% of its agricultural water from rivers originating in India.

Responding to the remarks, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty is not a political arrangement but a binding international agreement, with no clause permitting unilateral withdrawal or suspension.

“India’s illegal announcement to hold the Treaty in abeyance constitutes a clear violation of international law, the provisions of the Treaty itself, and the fundamental principles governing inter-state relations,” he said.

He warned that such actions set a “reckless and dangerous precedent” that undermines the credibility of international agreements and casts doubt on India’s reliability as a treaty partner. “Weaponizing water for political ends is irresponsible and contrary to established norms of responsible state behavior,” the spokesperson added.

Pakistan has demanded that India immediately rescind its unilateral stance and ensure the full and unhindered implementation of the treaty. The Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the accord and vowed to take all necessary measures to protect its water rights and entitlements.

The latest comments by Shah -- considered the most powerful figure in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet -- have further diminished prospects for dialogue over the treaty. Islamabad now views the future of the IWT as increasingly uncertain amid India’s hardened posture.

With input from Reuters