India Lost 20,000 Citizens to Pak Terror, Violated Spirit of Indus Waters Treaty-P Harish at UN

Ambassador Harish says treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan ends cross-border terrorism.

Published: May 24, 2025 | India delivered a scathing rebuke to Pakistan at the United Nations on Saturday, accusing Islamabad of using disinformation about the Indus Waters Treaty while ignoring its role in cross-border terrorism that has claimed over 20,000 Indian lives in four decades.

Also Read: Kanimozhi-Led Delegation, Former Russian PM Discuss Global Terror Threats in Moscow

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, declared that the 65-year-old water-sharing pact would remain suspended until Pakistan ends its support for terrorism.

#IndiaAtUN

PR @AmbHarishP delivered India’s statement at the Arria Formula Meeting on Protecting Water in Armed Conflict – Protecting Civilian Lives. @MEAIndia @UN pic.twitter.com/SV0wzzW5XS

— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) May 23, 2025

Key Highlights:

• Treaty suspended: After the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
• Over 20,000 Indians killed: Due to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
• India’s four-point rebuttal: Treaty’s misuse, evolving security concerns, safety of dams, and Islamabad’s obstructionist approach.

Also Read: Jaishankar in Berlin: India Won’t Bow to Nuclear Blackmail, Talks with Pakistan Will Stay Bilateral

Ambassador Harish’s statement:

“India entered the treaty in good faith, but Pakistan has waged three wars and enabled thousands of terror attacks. Pakistan has turned water-sharing into a hostage situation while cross-border terrorism continues to bleed India,” he said.

He also said Pakistan’s refusal to modernize dam infrastructure and block safety upgrades violates the treaty’s principles. In 2012, terrorists even attacked the Tulbul navigation project in Jammu and Kashmir.

Also Read: “Pakistan’s Victim Card Exposed”: JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha Gains Japanese Support in Anti-Terror Push

Backdrop:

Following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23. It then launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, striking terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. A Pakistani missile and drone counterattack was thwarted, and hostilities ended with a ceasefire on May 10.

What’s next?

India says the treaty will stay on hold until Pakistan credibly ends terrorism against India. Meanwhile, global observers note that the security situation remains volatile with both countries’ armies on alert.

Tags:

Indus Waters Treaty, India Pakistan Tensions, UN India Pakistan, Pahalgam Terror Attack, Operation Sindoor, India UN Statement, Pakistan Cross-Border Terrorism, India Water Dispute, India Pakistan Conflict 2025, OperationSindoor,