Indus Waters Treaty: India blames Pakistan for violating treaty through terrorism at UN glaciers' meet

India has strongly rejected Pakistan’s accusations over the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that persistent cross-border terrorism from Pakistani soil is the real obstacle to the treaty’s effective implementation.

The statement came during the plenary session of the first UN Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on Friday.

Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh expressed India’s disapproval of Pakistan’s comments at the global forum, calling them unwarranted and beyond the scope of the conference.

"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.

He highlighted that significant changes since the treaty’s inception in 1960—such as demographic shifts, technological developments, climate change, and ongoing terrorism—necessitate a reassessment of the treaty’s obligations.

He said that the preamble of the Indus Waters Treaty emphasises goodwill, 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. 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.

His comments were in response to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had earlier accused India of unilaterally suspending the treaty for political motives, calling it a “red line.”

India had announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives.

The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs water sharing between India and Pakistan across the Indus River system.

The UN glacier conference, which concludes Saturday, has brought together over 2,500 delegates from 80 countries and 70 international organisations to discuss climate change and water security.