India Accuses Pakistan of Violating Indus Waters Treaty, Cites Terrorism

New york-India has strongly criticized pakistan at the United Nations, accusing the nation of violating the spirit of the Indus Waters Treaty through its support for cross-border terrorism. The statement, delivered by India’s Permanent Representative to the U.N., Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, came during an Arria Formula meeting of the U.N.Security Council focused on protecting water in armed conflicts.

Key Points of India’s Statement

• Accusation of Disinformation: India accused Pakistan of spreading disinformation regarding the Indus Waters Treaty.
• Violation of Treaty Spirit: India asserted that Pakistan has violated the spirit of the treaty by inflicting three wars and thousands of terror attacks on India.
• Suspension of Treaty: India declared the Indus Waters Treaty would be held in abeyance until Pakistan credibly stops supporting cross-border terrorism.

India’s Justification for Holding treaty in Abeyance

The decision to hold the indus Waters treaty in abeyance followed the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed. Ambassador Harish emphasized that India entered into the treaty in good faith 65 years ago. However, he argued that Pakistan’s actions have consistently undermined the treaty’s foundational principles.

Pakistan’s state-sponsored cross-border terrorism in India seeks to hold hostage the lives of civilians, religious harmony and economic prosperity.
Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, Permanent Representative of India to the U.N.

Harish noted that over the past four decades, more than 20,000 Indian lives have been lost in terror attacks. He also highlighted that India has repeatedly requested discussions with Pakistan to modify the treaty, but these requests have been rejected.

Pakistan’s Obstructionist Approach

India contends that Pakistan’s obstructionist approach continues to prevent the exercise of full utilisation of legitimate rights by India. Moreover, India argues that essential changes, including escalating security concerns, the need for clean energy, climate change, and demographic shifts, necessitate modifications to the treaty.

Ambassador Harish pointed out that Pakistan has consistently blocked changes to dam infrastructure, raising safety concerns.He also mentioned the 2012 terrorist attack on the tulbul Navigation Project in Jammu and Kashmir, stating, These cynical acts continue to endanger the safety of our projects and the lives of civilians.

India’s Stance on Cross-Border Terrorism

India has firmly stated that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan ends its support for cross-border terrorism. It is clear that it is Pakistan which remains in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, Harish asserted.

Response to Pakistan’s Allegations at UNSC

Earlier in the day, Ambassador Harish responded to Pakistan’s allegations at a UNSC open debate on ‘Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict,’ calling pakistan’s behavior grossly hypocritical. He emphasized that a nation that makes no distinction between terrorists and civilians has no credentials to speak about protecting civilians.

Harish recounted the history of Pakistani-sponsored terrorist attacks, including the 26/11 Mumbai attack and the Pahalgam attack in April 2025. The victims of Pakistani terrorism have been predominantly civilians since its objective has been to attack our prosperity, progress and morale, he stated.

Escalation of Tensions and operation Sindoor

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following the Pahalgam attack.India launched operation Sindoor, conducting precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Hostilities de-escalated after talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10.

Ambassador Harish concluded by stating that Pakistan has repeatedly used civilian cover to advance terrorism, further justifying India’s position.