Amit Shah Rules Out Restoration of Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, Says Water Will Be Diverted to Rajasthan

Mumbai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has categorically stated that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan will never be restored, accusing Islamabad of violating the spirit and terms of the agreement. His comments come in the wake of rapidly deteriorating India-Pakistan ties following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

In an exclusive interview with The Times of India, Shah said, “No, it will never be restored. International treaties can’t be annulled unilaterally but we had the right to put it in abeyance, which we have done.”

India suspended the treaty in April, invoking the preamble that outlines its purpose as being for “peace and progress” between the two nations — a premise Shah says Pakistan has blatantly violated.

India to Divert Water Flowing to Pakistan

Shah further announced that India will fully utilise its rightful share of water under the treaty, asserting, “We will take the water that was flowing to Pakistan to Rajasthan by constructing a canal. Pakistan will be starved of water that it has been getting unjustifiably.”

This move marks a dramatic escalation in India’s policy posture toward Pakistan, as it signals not just diplomatic disengagement but also a strategic shift in the sharing of transboundary water resources governed by the 1960 World Bank-brokered treaty.

Strong Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack

Condemning the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed several civilians and security personnel, Shah described it as a “deliberate attempt to sabotage peace in Kashmir, stop rising tourism, and distract the region’s youth.” He praised the people of Kashmir for their solidarity with India in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Shah confirmed that in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to act against the perpetrators, India carried out limited strikes on terror launchpads across the border. He said Pakistan misinterpreted the targeted anti-terror strikes as an act of war, thereby erasing the line between anti-terror action and military aggression.

“Pakistan Attacked Civilians, We Hit Their Airbases”

The Home Minister said that after Pakistan’s attacks on Indian civilian locations, India retaliated by damaging Pakistani airbases, forcing the neighbouring country to seek a suspension of hostilities.

“We will not hesitate in acting against whatever Pakistan chooses to do, without any delay,” he said, underlining the government’s firm stance on national security.

Criticism of Congress over Operation Sindoor

Taking aim at the Congress party for its criticism of Operation Sindoor, India’s recent counter-terror operation, Shah accused the opposition of political hypocrisy.

“What used to happen during their time? How can Congress question us on the issue of terrorism? It used to do nothing except change a minister,” he remarked, suggesting that Congress lacked the will or strategy to effectively combat terrorism when in power.

Strategic Shift in Indo-Pak Relations

With the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the direct diversion of water resources, India has signalled a fundamental recalibration of its policy toward Pakistan — no longer treating terrorism and diplomacy as separate tracks.

The developments are expected to have significant geopolitical implications, particularly in the region’s water security and bilateral engagement going forward. The Centre’s toughened stance is being seen as part of a broader message — that Pakistan will face real costs for backing cross-border terrorism.

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