In a familiar diplomatic move, Pakistan once again raised the Kashmir issue and the Indus Waters Treaty during a debate at the United Nations. The statement came during a UN General Assembly session focused on international peace and security. According to Hindustan Times, Pakistan’s envoy to the UN reiterated Islamabad’s grievances over what it calls “India’s unilateral actions in Kashmir” and the alleged violations of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.
India’s Firm Rebuttal
India, in its right to reply, strongly rejected Pakistan’s claims, calling them baseless and an attempt to divert attention from its own internal challenges. India emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and that any interference in its internal matters will not be tolerated. India’s representative at the UN stated that Pakistan has a history of misusing UN platforms to push its political agenda and that New Delhi remains committed to peaceful dialogue — but only in an atmosphere free of terror and hostility.
Indus Waters Treaty Under Focus
This time, the discourse went beyond the usual Kashmir rhetoric. Pakistan also flagged alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, a World Bank-brokered agreement that governs the shared rivers between the two nations. Islamabad accused India of fast-tracking hydropower projects on the western rivers, which are designated for Pakistan’s use under the treaty.
India has repeatedly stated that all its projects are in compliance with the treaty’s technical parameters and that Pakistan has been misrepresenting facts to create international pressure.
Strategic Timing Amid Regional Tensions
The renewed pitch at the UN comes at a time when both countries are grappling with domestic pressures and strained bilateral ties. Pakistan is currently navigating a complex political and economic crisis, while India is preparing for key diplomatic engagements, including a possible visit by the Indian Prime Minister to the United States and the United Kingdom.
Observers believe Pakistan’s move is aimed at gaining international sympathy and drawing attention to the Kashmir issue before any major international dialogues involving India.
Water Security Emerging as a Key Front
The mention of the Indus Waters Treaty underscores the growing focus on water security in South Asia. With climate change accelerating glacial melt and altering river flows, control and usage of shared rivers have become more contentious. Pakistan’s anxiety over India’s hydropower projects is rooted in fears of water scarcity and a possible strategic disadvantage.
India, on the other hand, maintains that the treaty has stood the test of time and offers sufficient safeguards for both nations. In recent years, there have been talks within Indian policy circles about revisiting or renegotiating the treaty, especially in light of Pakistan’s continued use of cross-border terrorism as a policy tool.
UN’s Limited Role in Bilateral Disputes
While Pakistan routinely seeks UN intervention, experts point out that the global body’s role in such bilateral disputes is limited. The Kashmir issue is no longer on the active agenda of the UN Security Council, and India has consistently refused any third-party mediation, asserting that all outstanding matters with Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally under the 1972 Simla Agreement.
The Road Ahead
This latest episode at the UN highlights the repetitive nature of India-Pakistan diplomatic confrontations on the global stage. While it may stir domestic audiences in Pakistan and maintain pressure on India’s foreign policy machinery, it is unlikely to lead to any tangible shift in global perception or policy.
Analysts suggest that real progress can only come through backchannel diplomacy and confidence-building measures. Until then, the UN may continue to witness these rhetorical battles, even as the real issues — water security, regional stability, and cross-border terror — remain unresolved.
For more world stories click here
Follow us for latest updates:
