New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed on Thursday that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan will continue until Islamabad credibly and permanently ends cross-border terrorism.
His remarks came after Pakistan appealed to India’s Jal Shakti Ministry to reconsider the suspension of the 1960 treaty, which is vital for Pakistan’s agriculture and drinking water needs. India had suspended the agreement following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, targeting civilians, mostly Hindu tourists. Citing national security concerns, India declared that the treaty would remain in abeyance unless Pakistan halts support for terrorism.
Addressing the media during an event, Jaishankar also commented on the precision strikes conducted under “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. He clarified that the operation deliberately avoided engaging the Pakistani military, which, according to him, chose to respond despite having the option to stay out.
“Satellite imagery clearly shows the extent of damage we inflicted versus their limited response. The same actors who resisted on May 7 were open to dialogue by May 10. It’s evident who truly desired a ceasefire,” Jaishankar stated.
Amid speculation over U.S. involvement in the ceasefire, Jaishankar reiterated India’s long-standing policy that talks with Pakistan will remain strictly bilateral. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims that Washington brokered the peace using trade leverage. Trump had announced a ceasefire minutes before India officially confirmed it on May 10, later asserting his role in facilitating dialogue between the two nations.
Jaishankar dismissed any deviation from India’s bilateral approach, asserting that there is “absolutely no change” in the country’s position on engaging with Pakistan.
