Talk on Indus Water Treaty’, Pakistan appeals, will consider India’s objections

Leh A tributary of Indus- Phuktal. (Photo: PTI)

Indus Waters Treaty: The news has come from Pakistan’s Water Resources Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza. Murtaza wants talks to be held between India and Pakistan regarding this treaty. But the Pakistani Water Secretary has also raised some questions.

After the Pahalgam attack, India suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan with immediate effect. Since then, this is the first time that Pakistan has indicated that it wants to talk with India on this treaty (Pakistan on Indus Water).

According to a report by Media House, Pakistan’s Water Resources Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza has recently responded on this matter. Murtaza wants to discuss India’s objections on behalf of the Pakistan government.

Citing sources aware of the matter, Media House has written,

Murtaza has also raised questions on the basis on which the Indus Water Treaty has been suspended. He has said that there was no ‘exit clause’ in this treaty.

Ignored two requests from India
This indication of talks from the Pakistani minister is important. Because India had earlier twice urged Pakistan to talk on IWT. In January 2023 and then in September 2024. Pakistan did not show interest in it both times. Pakistan has expressed its desire only after India postponed the treaty.

This desire of Pakistan is being discussed within the Indian government. Because after four days of military confrontation, the matter is now calm. India can store the river water by building dams and reservoirs. It can also be used for power generation. Pakistan wants to stop such plans. Because any such construction will change the status quo on the ground.

Water and blood cannot flow together”

Murtaza’s response was in response to a letter from his Indian counterpart Debashree Mukherjee. Mukherjee wrote this letter to him on 24 April. He wrote,

Pakistan has continued cross-border terrorism targeting Jammu and Kashmir. Therefore, the Indus Water Treaty is being suspended with immediate effect.

On May 13, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also gave his reaction to this. He said that India will keep this treaty suspended until Pakistan stops supporting terrorism.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation after ‘Operation Sindoor’, he also gave a similar message. He said, “Water and blood cannot flow together”.

What is the Indus Water Treaty?
The treaty was signed by India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, after nine years of negotiations. According to its provisions, all the water of (eastern rivers) Sutlej, Beas and Ravi will be available for any use by India. Pakistan will get water from (western rivers) Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.