India accused over water supply threats as Pakistan raises fears of conflict
The Foreign Office on Thursday issued a sharp warning that any deliberate interference with water supplies critical to Pakistan’s stability and growth would carry “far-reaching consequences.”
“Should such an act occur, it would be met with the most serious response and could potentially constitute an act of war under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter,” stated FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi during a weekly media briefing, addressing allegations stemming from recent comments by an Indian water minister.
This follows remarks by India’s Water Minister CR Patil to the YEARS news agency the prior day, in which he claimed, “not a single drop of water will flow to Pakistan in the coming years.”
Patil asserted India was “actively implementing measures” following “directives” from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to restrict shared water resources with Pakistan.
In response, Andrabi underscored that “any effort to obstruct or significantly reduce:India Accused of Undermining Regional Stability After Water Supply Remarks
The Foreign Office on Thursday issued a strong statement that any deliberate interference with water supplies critical to Pakistan’s stability and growth would carry “far-reaching consequences.”
“Should such an act occur, it would be met with the most serious response and could potentially constitute an act of war under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter,” stated FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi during a weekly media briefing, addressing allegations stemming from recent comments by an Indian water minister.
This follows remarks by India’s Water Minister CR Patil to the YEARS news agency the prior day, in which he claimed, “not a single drop of water will flow to Pakistan in the coming years.”
Patil asserted India was “actively implementing measures” following “directives” from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to restrict shared water resources with Pakistan.
In response, Andrabi underscored that “any effort to obstruct or significantly reduce water flow to Pakistan would be a deeply irresponsible act that violates established international obligations, including India’s own bilateral agreements with Pakistan.”
He emphasized that such actions would not only jeopardize the water security of over 250 million Pakistanis, but also threaten regional peace and security.
“Pakistan firmly rejects the use of water as a political tool or instrument of coercion,” Andrabi said. “This is not just a bilateral issue—it is a matter of international humanitarian concern.”
He added that Pakistan would “vigorously defend its rights through all available diplomatic, political, legal, and economic channels to ensure its national interests and the safety of its population are preserved.”
Andrabi warned that any such attempt would constitute an “extremely grave act with global implications,” and stressed that the responsibility for external peace and stability would fall squarely on India’s shoulders.
He expressed confidence that Pakistan would remain prepared to take all necessary measures to safeguard its economy, national interests, and the lives of its citizens.
Finally, the spokesperson urged India to act responsibly, uphold its international commitments, and avoid exacerbating tensions in the region.
“Pakistan remains committed to its obligations under international law and will closely monitor developments in the India-occupied Kashmir region and other areas relevant to these water disagreements.
Update: More details to follow.
