The United Nations, while commenting on a senior Indian minister’s threat that India will never restore the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, Monday said it is critical that natural resources be shared on the basis of mutually accepted treaties.
New Delhi unilaterally suspended the 1960 treaty, which governs the usage of the Indus river system, in April after 26 civilians in Indian administered Kashmir were killed in what New Delhi described as a Pakistan-linked act of terror.
The treaty had guaranteed water access for 80% of Pakistan‘s farms through three rivers originating in India.
Islamabad firmly denied invollvement in the Pahalgam incident, and offered to participate in a neutral investigation into the incident. Indus Waters Treaty
Weeks after the incident India launched attack into Pakistani cities, claiming they targeted militant sites. The two countries agreed on a ceasefire agreement on May 10.
However, the accord remains dormant despite the ceasefire, facilitated by US President Donald Trump, that ended the worst fighting in decades between the two South Asian neighbors.
Last week, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah said in an interview with The Times of India that India will take water that was flowing to Pakistan to Rajasthan by constructing a canal.
Pakistan vows to protect its interests after Indian threat to block water
He ruled out revival of the Indus Water Trety. “No, it (the treaty) will never be restored,” he added.
When asked about the Indian minister’s threat, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters at the regular briefing in New York, “I haven’t seen that particular (statement), but, obviously, it is critical that natural resources be shared based on mutually accepted treaties.”
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