“Will Never Be Restored”: Amit Shah Rules Out Resuming Indus Waters Treaty With Pakistan

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared that India will never restore the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, marking a significant shift in India’s long-standing water-sharing arrangement with its western neighbour.

In an exclusive interview with The Times of India published on Saturday, Shah stated that India has put into abeyance its participation in the 1960 treaty, and will divert water currently flowing to Pakistan for internal use, particularly in Rajasthan.

India Hardens Stance After Terror Attack

The move follows a terror attack in Kashmir that killed 26 civilians, which India has cited as a justification for suspending its obligations under the treaty. Although Pakistan has denied any involvement, India has not resumed treaty negotiations, even after a ceasefire was brokered between the two nuclear-armed neighbours last month following some of the worst border clashes in decades.

“No, it will never be restored,” Amit Shah said in response to whether the treaty could be revived in the future.

“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,” Shah added.

Background on the Indus Waters Treaty

Signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation, the Indus Waters Treaty allocated the waters of six rivers between the two countries. India retained control of the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — while Pakistan was granted rights over the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, which account for about 80% of Pakistan’s irrigation water.

India’s decision to halt participation in the treaty and divert the water has raised alarm bells in Islamabad.

Pakistan’s Response

While Pakistan’s foreign ministry has not issued a fresh comment, it has previously stated that the treaty cannot be unilaterally terminated. It warned that any attempt by India to block river water would be regarded as an “act of war.” Islamabad is also reported to be exploring legal recourse under international law to challenge India’s withdrawal from the agreement.

In a related report last month, Reuters noted that India intends to dramatically increase the volume of water it diverts from rivers flowing into Pakistan as part of a broader strategy of retaliation.

Key Highlights:

• India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty permanently, according to Amit Shah.
• Water to be diverted to Indian states, especially Rajasthan, via new canal infrastructure.
• Tensions remain high, with Pakistan warning that blocking water would be considered an “act of war.”
• Legal challenge by Pakistan may be underway via international courts or arbitration bodies.

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