Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Remarks Over Indus Waters Treaty (Img: X)
New Delhi: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again raised the issue of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning India against any move that could impact Pakistan’s water rights.
His remarks have added fresh tension to the already sensitive India-Pakistan relationship, with water security emerging as a major point of dispute between the two neighbouring countries.
Addressing an event in Islamabad, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan wanted peace but would not compromise on matters linked to its sovereignty and resources. Referring to the Indus river system, he claimed that “every single drop” of Pakistan’s water was a red line and warned of a strong response against any action affecting Islamabad’s water interests.
Sharif also repeated his claims regarding the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict and said Pakistan had successfully defended itself during the confrontation. He asserted that any future escalation would face an even stronger response from Islamabad.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with the involvement of the World Bank, has long been considered one of the most important water-sharing agreements between the two nations. Under the treaty, India received control over the eastern rivers; Sutlej, Beas and Ravi while Pakistan was allocated rights over the western rivers: Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
The agreement has repeatedly come under strain due to political and security tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.
During his address, Sharif once again brought up Kashmir while discussing Pakistan’s broader disagreements with India. Islamabad has consistently linked the Kashmir dispute with other bilateral issues, including water sharing and regional security.
India has maintained that cross-border terrorism remains the biggest challenge in bilateral ties and has defended its position on water resources under international agreements.
Sharif also praised US President Donald Trump for his role in facilitating the ceasefire announcement between India and Pakistan in May 2025. He credited Washington’s diplomatic efforts for helping reduce tensions.
However, India has repeatedly stated that the ceasefire was achieved through direct communication between the two countries and has rejected claims of third-party mediation.
