Latest news with #IWT
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Terrorism from Pak soil a breach of Indus Waters Treaty: India at UN event
India has dismissed Pakistan's claims that it is violating the Indus Waters Treaty, saying instead that Pakistan's continued support for cross-border terrorism is affecting the proper implementation of the agreement, according to a PTI report. Speaking at the plenary session of the first United Nations conference on glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on Friday, India's Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said that terrorism from Pakistani soil is itself a violation of the treaty. 'We are appalled at the attempt by Pakistan to misuse the forum and to bring in unwarranted references to issues which do not fall within the purview of the forum. We strongly condemned such an attempt,' Singh said. He pointed out that the situation has changed significantly since the treaty was signed, and that new developments warrant a fresh look at the treaty's responsibilities. He said these include 'technological advancements, demographic changes, climate change and the ongoing threat of cross-border terrorism'. The minister also highlighted the original intent behind the agreement, noting that it was founded on mutual goodwill. 'However, the unrelenting cross-border terrorism from Pakistan interferes with an ability to exploit the treaty as per its provisions. Pakistan, which itself is in violation of the treaty, should desist from putting the blame of the breach of the treaty on India,' he added. Pakistan's objection at the conference Earlier at the same event, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticised India for holding the treaty in abeyance. He warned that any move to abandon the agreement could endanger lives and lead to serious consequences. 'India's unilateral and illegal decision to hold in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus Basin's water, is deeply regrettable,' Sharif said, according to Pakistan's Dawn newspaper. Sharif stressed that Pakistan would not tolerate any breach of the treaty, which he said was essential to millions of people. Treaty put in 'abeyance' after Pahalgam terror attack India had placed the IWT in abeyance following a deadly terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. The move was part of several diplomatic punitive actions taken against Pakistan. The IWT was signed in 1960 by India and Pakistan, with the World Bank acting as a guarantor. It outlines how water from the Indus river system - which includes five other rivers - is to be shared between the two countries. Focus of the UN Conference The three-day UN conference on glaciers aims to raise awareness about the role glaciers play in maintaining global ecological stability and tackling water-related challenges. More than 2,500 delegates from 80 UN member states and 70 international organisations are taking part in the event, which ends on Saturday.
Economic Times
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
UN glaciers' meet: India says Pakistan violating Indus Water Treaty through terrorism
India has said that Pakistan should stop blaming it for the breach of the Indus Water Treaty, as the unrelenting cross-border terrorism from its soil is interfering with the treaty's implementation. ADVERTISEMENT Addressing the plenary session of the first UN conference on glaciers in Tajikistan's Dushanbe on Friday, Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said that Pakistan itself was violating the treaty through terrorism. "We are appalled at the attempt by Pakistan to misuse the forum and to bring in unwarranted references to issues which do not fall within the purview of the forum. We strongly condemned such an attempt," he said. Also Read: Operation Sindoor reopens saga of 300 women who rebuilt bombed airstrip in 1971 Indo-Pak warSingh said it is an undeniable fact that there have been fundamental changes in circumstances since the Indus Waters Treaty was signed, which requires a reassessment of the treaty's changes include technological advancements, demographic changes, climate change and the ongoing threat of cross-border terrorism, he said. ADVERTISEMENT The minister said that the treaty's preamble states it was concluded in the spirit of goodwill and friendship, and that honouring the treaty in good faith is essential."However, the unrelenting cross border terrorism from Pakistan interferes with an ability to exploit the treaty as per its provisions. ADVERTISEMENT "Pakistan, which itself is in violation of the treaty, should desist from putting the blame of the breach of the treaty on India," he said. Also Read: Pakistan violated spirit of IWT by inflicting three wars, thousands of terror attacks on India: New Delhi tells UN ADVERTISEMENT At the International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said his country would not allow India to cross the red line by holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and endangering millions of lives for narrow political gains."India's unilateral and illegal decision to hold in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus Basin's water, is deeply regrettable," Pakistani newspaper Dawn quoted Sharif as the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, India announced the suspension of the treaty as part of several punitive measures against Pakistan. ADVERTISEMENT Also Read: What US intelligence reveals about India's enemiesThe Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the World Bank as a signatory, governs the sharing of the Indus River system's waters between the two countries. The three-day UN conference on glaciers, which ends on Saturday, aims to highlight the important role of glaciers in maintaining global ecological balance and addressing water-related challenges. The conference is being attended by over 2,500 delegates from 80 UN member states and 70 international organisations. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Will not allow India to weaponise water, says Shahbaz Sharif at Dushanbe meet
File photo: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif ISLAMABAD: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif on Friday rejected the "weaponisation of water" and warned that Pakistan would not allow India to cross the red line by holding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance and endangering millions of lives for narrow political gains. Sharif was addressing a three-day International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe when he raked up the issue. "India's unilateral and illegal decision to hold in abeyance the IWT, which governs the sharing of the Indus Basin's water, is deeply regrettable," Dawn quoted Sharif as saying. "Millions of lives must not be held hostage to narrow political gains, and Pakistan will not allow this. We will never allow the red line to be crossed," the PM told the conference attended by over 2,500 delegates from 80 UN member states and 70 international organisations. The event was hosted by Tajikistan govt in collaboration with UN, Unesco, WMO, Asian Development Bank, and other key partners. Sharif's remarks came after India, soon after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, announced abeyance of the IWT among other punitive measures. The IWT was signed in 1960 by the two countries to address the water dispute between them and to share the waters of the six main rivers of the Indus basin.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Weaponising water: India's destabilising role in South Asia
Listen to article India's aggressive and unilateral approach to regional geopolitics, exemplified by its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), is a stark reminder of its willingness to prioritise hegemonic ambitions over regional stability. This weaponisation of shared natural resources highlights India's increasing disregard for international norms and raises critical questions about its commitment to sustainable and cooperative regional development. India also failed to present credible evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident and instead used unfounded allegations to portray Pakistan as a scapegoat while rationalising its own escalating hostility. Such actions further obstruct dialogue and hamper regional cooperation. Meanwhile, Pakistan has consistently advocated for a fair and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident, showing its commitment to justice and transparency. Even in the face of aerial provocations and civilian casualties, Pakistan refrained from retaliation until it was left with no choice. India seems to be using unfounded accusations to strategically target Pakistan internationally and deflect from its internal issues, like human rights abuses in Kashmir and anti-Muslim violence in India. It much prefers hostility and dominance over constructive engagement and peacebuilding. South Asia is already one of the most water-stressed regions in the world, facing climate change, resource shortages and economic inequality. The IWT once ensured fair distribution of water between India and Pakistan, but India's decision to weaken this treaty now threatens Pakistan's agricultural sector, which supports over 70% of its population. Cutting water supplies worsens Pakistan's food security and hinders climate adaptation while also setting a dangerous precedent for powerful nations to weaponise shared resources. Such actions sow mistrust, making regional cooperation even harder. India's actions reveal a deep contradiction in its foreign policy. On one hand, it wants to be seen as a global leader in climate action and international cooperation, aiming to be a vishwaguru (global teacher). While on the other, its divisive regional behaviour reflects selfishness and power plays. This double standard damages India's global reputation and weakens its moral authority on climate justice and sustainable development. Global response to this crisis has been disappointing. While Pakistan's procurement of $1.4 billion from the IMF's Resilience and Sustainability Facility is a positive step for climate adaptation, India's IWT violation barely faces accountability. Global inaction sends a dangerous message: powerful nations can break treaties without consequences. This ultimately encourages similar behaviour elsewhere and weakens international systems. South Asia now stands at a crucial moment. The region can either continue down a path of conflicts fuelled by resource disputes or work together to find common solutions. The South Asian Water Security Initiative (SAWSI), building on the principles of the IWT, could promote fair water sharing, joint efforts to combat climate change, and better regional stability. But it can only succeed if India changes steps away from its current aggressive policies and takes on the role of a responsible leader, working for mutual trust and shared progress. Otherwise, water conflicts even risk causing global instability. Water has always been a symbol of life and growth, sustaining civilisations for millennia. Its weaponisation risks destroying that legacy and deepening divisions across South Asia. The international community must recognise the gravity of this crisis and hold India accountable for its actions, prioritising peace over political gain. India must also rethink its priorities and let go of its hegemonic ambitions, embracing a future built on collaboration and coexistence. Only then can it restore its credibility and ensure a more peaceful and prosperous South Asia.
India.com
a day ago
- Science
- India.com
BIG trouble for Pakistan amid India's suspension of Indus Water Treaty as glaciers in Hindu Kush to..., will create water crisis in...
India recently suspended the Indus Water Treaty and the melting of glaciers in the Hindu Kush will further deepen the water crisis in the enemy country. (File/Representational) Following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty by India following the heinous April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan may be staring at a severe water crisis in the near future as more than 75 percent of glacial ice in the Hindu Kush mountains is expected to melt away by the end of this century. According to a study published in the 'Science' journal. glaciers in the Hindu Kush — an 800-kilometre-long mountain range that stretches from Central and South Asia to the west of the Himalayas– are at risk of losing 75 percent of its glaciers in the 70-80 years if global temperatures rise by 2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels. The Hindu Kush mountains are a key source of water for nearly two billion people in countries such as India, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Bangladesh as some of the world's largest rivers flow through this mountain range. But the news is especially troubling for Pakistan due to India recently holding the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, which has already affected water flow in the enemy country. Water crisis to hit entire Asia As per the study, the melting of glacial ice in the Hindu Kush would have far-reaching consequences such as creating a water crisis of unprecedented levels across all of Asia. The study estimates that the Himalayas and Caucasus could retain 40-45% of their glacial ice if countries manage to limited the temperature rise 1.5 degrees Celsius as outlined in the Paris Agreement. However, based on the current trajectory of a 2.7 degree Celsius temperature rise by the end of the century, these mountains, including the Hindu Kush, could lose up to 75-80 percent of their glacial mass, the study warns. Over 2 billion at risk The study was published as the first UN Conference on Glaciers is underway in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where more than 50 countries are gathered to discuss and tackle the looming crisis. 'Melting glaciers are threatening lives on an unprecedented scale, including the lives and livelihoods of over 2 billion people in Asia. Switching to clean energy to reduce planet-warming emissions is the most effective way to slow down this phenomenon,' Yingming Yang, Vice-President, Asian Development Bank (ADB), said in his address at the UN conference. According to the study, the researchers used eight glacier models to assess the fate of more than 200,000 glaciers around the world under different warming scenarios, and the results were frightening. The researches found that glacial mass will continue to decline at a rapid pace in the coming decades, even if global temperatures are stabilized. The study warns that the long-term effects of this phenomenon will last for centuries to come and immediate measures need to taken to minimise the damage. 'Our study makes it abundantly clear that every fraction of a degree matters,' said co-lead author Dr Harry Zekkolaari.
