India Dismisses Pakistan Minister’s Kashmir Statements
India has categorically rejected remarks made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif regarding Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty. In a statement on Wednesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the allegations as unfounded and an attempt to divert attention from Pakistan’s internal issues.
Background of the Dispute
Khawaja Asif had criticized India for suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing agreement between the two nations, and for what he described as human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. He made these comments during a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday.
India’s Response
Jaiswal asserted that the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on its internal matters. He added that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty was a response to Pakistan’s continued cross-border terrorism and non-compliance with the treaty’s provisions.
“India’s actions are always in accordance with international law and bilateral agreements. The allegations by the Pakistani defence minister are baseless and are meant to cover up Pakistan’s own failures in combating terrorism,” Jaiswal said.
Impact on Bilateral Relations
The exchange underscores the ongoing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has been a rare point of cooperation, but India’s suspension in 2025 marked a significant escalation. Analysts say the rhetoric could further strain diplomatic ties and affect regional stability.
