Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance until Islamabad abjures support for cross-border terrorism: Govt

The government has said that Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance until Islamabad abjures support for cross-border terrorism. Briefing media in New Delhi, spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal dismissed Pakistan media reports that India is deliberately causing flooding in the neighbouring country.

He added that the recent increase in flows in the River Chenab is a direct consequence of intense monsoon rainfall over Jammu and adjoining catchment areas during 20th to 23rd July. The spokesperson further stated that Pakistan’s own Flood Forecasting Division, Lahore, attributed the high flood levels in the River Chenab to heavy rainfall over the upper catchment. He added that the rise in river flows is a natural hydrological response to heavy monsoon rainfall and not the result of any deliberate action by India.

On allegations relating to flood warnings, Mr Jaiswal said river flows during this period did not reach extraordinary discharge levels requiring the issuance of special flood warnings. He said any suggestion that India deliberately withheld flood-related information is, therefore, without factual basis. He remarked that India will share high-flood data with Pakistan on humanitarian grounds, through diplomatic channels as and when a situation arises.

On China’s readout, the spokesperson stressed that India does not violate China’s sovereignty in any manner and has been consistent. He pointed out that it is actually India that should be raising sovereignty issues. He said China is in illegal occupation of Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963, where India’s right is officially acknowledged even by China. He further stated that there are Chinese projects on territories in Jammu and Kashmir that belong to India, and New Delhi objects to that.

Responding to a query regarding the death of Indian seafarers, Mr Jaiswal said that MV Golden Leo had loaded grain as cargo prior to its departure on 19th July. The vessel was involved in the tragic incident in the Odesa port. He reiterated that commercial shipping and seafarers must not be targeted under any circumstances. He said that External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had made this position clear in the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum meetings and reiterated this with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.