Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil on Thursday firmly dismissed comments made by Pakistan People’s Party chief Bilawal Bhutto regarding the Indus Water Treaty, asserting that India will not be cowed by aggressive rhetoric.
Speaking at a press briefing, Paatil said, “The water won’t go anywhere… What he says is his own opinion… We are not afraid of false threats.” He referred to Bhutto’s earlier controversial remark, where the Pakistani leader had warned that “if water won’t flow, blood will flow.” Paatil strongly countered this, stating, “We won’t be intimidated by such threats. We are not scared of these cowardly threats”, news agency ANI reported
Addressing the broader context of the Indus Water Treaty, Paatil made it clear that any action regarding the agreement would be taken solely by the Indian government. “This decision belongs to the Indian government. Whatever decision is taken will only benefit the nation,” he stated.
According to news agency PTI, Paatil also remarked that Pakistan writing letters on revoking the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is a formality and is not going to change India’s stance on the matter.
The Minister was speaking during a media interaction held to mark 11 years of the Modi-led government, where he also underscored the accomplishments of the Jal Shakti Ministry. “Under PM Modi’s leadership, our country has been growing… This is the first government that thinks for all sections of society… Our farmers are getting direct transfer benefits,” Paatil said.
India To Divert Indus Water To Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi: Report
ANI reported, citing key government sources, that India has resolved to divert water previously earmarked for Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. The diverted water will now be redirected to serve four Indian states: Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.
According to ANI, infrastructure projects for this diversion are progressing at a rapid pace, with the Jal Shakti Ministry leading the charge. Officials said the plan ensures that not a single drop meant for Pakistan will be wasted, and instead will help alleviate water scarcity in the aforementioned states.
The initiative echoes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s declaration that “India’s water will flow in India’s benefit.” The ministry’s push is reportedly being carried out under the supervision of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Minister CR Paatil has also been holding multiple meetings with officials at the Jal Shakti Ministry to evaluate the implications of the Indus Water Treaty and the way forward.
