Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signaled a potential shift in India's approach to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, emphasizing that holding the treaty in abeyance was a calculated decision and not a hasty reaction. This development follows the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, which significantly heightened tensions between the two nations. Modi's statements suggest a comprehensive strategy that considers both national security and the optimal utilization of water resources.
Modi criticized the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), deeming it prejudicial to India's interests and hindering the utilization of its water share. He highlighted restrictions on dam desilting and sediment clearing, impacting reservoir capacity. Following the Pahalgam massacre, India put the IWT in abeyance, signaling a potential renegotiation of its terms, particularly the dispute settlement mechanism. He has been particularly critical of provisions within the treaty that he believes have historically disadvantaged India. Addressing an event in Gandhinagar, Modi pointed out that the IWT, negotiated in 1960, inexplicably disallowed the desilting of dams in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that the gates meant for water regulation were left unopened for 60 years, leading to a drastic reduction in storage capacity. He stated the reservoirs could effectively use only 2-3% of their storage capacity.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of utilizing India's rightful access to water. Modi asserted that water from India's rivers will now be used for the country's interests. According to Modi, significant steps are yet to be taken, but initial measures have begun. The government has been exploring ways to use the river waters for the benefit of Indians. These steps include preparations to taper down runoffs from the Kishanganga project on the Jhelum.
Furthermore, Modi addressed the broader issue of Pakistan's actions against India, characterizing them not merely as a proxy war but as a deliberate military strategy. He highlighted the fact that Pakistan gives state honors to terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor. Modi traced the pattern of cross-border aggression back to 1947. He said that Pakistan captured a part of India with the help of terrorists, in the name of Mujahideen. He said that if these Mujahideen had been killed on that day and Sardar Patel's advice had been accepted, then this series (of terrorist incidents) that has been going on for the last 75 years would not have been seen. The Prime Minister asserted that India will no longer tolerate aggression from across the border and is prepared to respond with strength and clarity.
Despite the tough stance on national security, Modi emphasized that India's core philosophy remains rooted in peace and cooperation. Modi invoked India's spiritual values with the phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi's recent statements indicate a calculated and strategic shift in India's approach to the Indus Waters Treaty. By placing the treaty in abeyance, India signals its intent to address what it perceives as historical disadvantages and to optimize the use of its water resources.
