India has officially countered Pakistan’s recent claims that New Delhi is using water as a ‘weapon,’ describing the accusations as politically motivated and a distortion of facts. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari’s statements, made at the World Summit for Social Development in Doha, were met with a firm rebuttal from India’s Labour and Employment Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya. Mandaviya asserted that Pakistan was misusing the international platform to spread disinformation and distract from genuine global development discussions.
Mandaviya clarified India’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty, a significant agreement established in 1960 with World Bank mediation. He affirmed India’s commitment to the treaty but pointed fingers at Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of consistently acting against its principles. According to Mandaviya, Pakistan has not only fostered an environment of hostility and supported cross-border terrorism but has also manipulated the treaty’s dispute resolution mechanisms to hinder India’s development projects. The treaty allocates the eastern rivers to India and the western rivers to Pakistan.
Regarding the contentious issue of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian minister reiterated that it is an internal affair for India and Pakistan has no right to interfere. He linked Pakistan’s statements to its alleged promotion of cross-border terrorism. Mandaviya advised Pakistan to concentrate on addressing its own pressing development issues and reduce its dependence on foreign assistance. He then presented a stark contrast by detailing India’s substantial achievements in alleviating poverty, ensuring food and health security, and providing housing, underscoring India’s commitment to sustainable development goals.