Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently criticized the Indus Waters Treaty, signed by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1960, calling it a "blunder" that has disadvantaged India. Modi asserted that the treaty, in its current form, is no longer viable. He highlighted that the treaty granted Pakistan rights to 80% of the water from rivers originating in India, a decision he views as detrimental to Indian interests.
Modi's criticism centers on the long-term consequences of the treaty, which he claims Nehru failed to foresee. According to Modi, Nehru hoped the treaty would pave the way for resolving other issues with Pakistan, but these issues persisted. Modi stated that India has now "rectified that error" by effectively suspending the treaty, prioritizing the needs of Indian farmers. This decision came after the terror attack in Pahalgam. Modi emphasized that "blood and water cannot flow together," indicating a firm stance against cross-border terrorism and the need to protect India's resources.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that the treaty restricted India's ability to desilt its own dams on the Indus River and its tributaries. He claimed that Pakistan insisted on this restriction, even alleging that a desilting gate was welded shut at one point. Modi argued that this limitation has prevented India from maximizing the benefits of these rivers, including power generation and irrigation potential. He suggested that if the treaty had not been signed, India could have developed more projects on the western-flowing rivers, benefiting farmers in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
Modi's remarks are part of a broader critique of the Congress party's historical decisions concerning national security and diplomacy. He accused past governments of compromising India's interests through diplomatic naivety and misplaced hope. Modi contrasted this with his government's "assertive doctrine," characterized by revoking outdated treaties and clamping down on terror networks. He also referred to the return of the Haji Pir Pass after the 1965 war as another example of a strategic misstep by the Congress party.
The Prime Minister's comments have sparked debate, with the Congress party protesting his remarks. Modi defended his criticism of Nehru's policies, stating that they continue to impact India's security and strategic position. He also addressed concerns raised about Operation Sindoor, asserting that no world leader asked India to stop its military operation. He emphasized that his government's actions are aimed at correcting past mistakes and ensuring India's interests are protected.
