India has forcefully rejected Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s allegations of ‘weaponising water,’ labelling them as baseless and an attempt to exploit an international summit for political gain. At the World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, India’s representative, Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, directly confronted Pakistan’s narrative. He argued that Zardari’s comments, which included accusations of violating the Indus Waters Treaty and linking Kashmir to other global struggles, were a deliberate distraction from the summit’s focus on social development.
Mandaviya asserted that India has always upheld its responsibilities under the Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark agreement from 1960. He countered by accusing Pakistan of frequently obstructing India’s water-related projects and acting contrary to the treaty’s cooperative spirit. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs the sharing of the Indus River system, with specific allocations for eastern and western rivers for each nation.
The minister also unequivocally dismissed Pakistan’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming it as an integral part of India and an internal matter. He criticized Pakistan’s intervention, particularly in light of its alleged involvement in cross-border terrorism. Mandaviya suggested that Pakistan should prioritize its own developmental shortcomings and reduce its reliance on international aid. He followed this by highlighting India’s remarkable progress in poverty eradication, social welfare programs, and infrastructure development, showcasing the nation’s commitment to its citizens’ well-being and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.