India has strongly dismissed remarks by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar regarding Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty, labeling them as baseless and unwarranted.
New Delhi, India Jul 23, 2026 ALN: India has firmly rejected the comments made by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar regarding Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) during the recent 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held in Manila. The remarks were characterized by the Indian government as “baseless and unwarranted.” This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries, which have a long history of disputes, particularly concerning Kashmir and water resources.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to media inquiries by stating that Pakistan has once again misused a multilateral forum to disseminate falsehoods and propagate state-sponsored disinformation. This tactic, according to Jaiswal, is an effort by Pakistan to divert attention from its own record of sponsoring cross-border terrorism. Such accusations are not new; they reflect a persistent narrative from India that seeks to frame Pakistan as a source of regional instability.
Jaiswal reiterated India's longstanding position on Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have always been, and will continue to remain, integral and inalienable parts of India. This assertion is rooted in the historical context of the region, which has been a contentious point since the partition of British India in 1947. The territorial dispute over Kashmir has led to multiple wars and ongoing military skirmishes between India and Pakistan, as well as significant political and social unrest within the region.
In terms of the Indus Waters Treaty, Jaiswal emphasized that India's stance remains unchanged. The treaty, which was established in 1960 to regulate the sharing of river waters between India and Pakistan, has been a point of contention, particularly in light of Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism. Jaiswal noted that the treaty has been kept in abeyance as a direct response to Pakistan’s continued support for such activities, referencing incidents like the Pahalgam terror attack that have fueled tensions between the two nations.
India's position is clear: the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” ends its support for cross-border terrorism. This statement underscores the Indian government's insistence that national security concerns must take precedence over diplomatic agreements, particularly when those agreements are perceived to be undermined by the actions of the other party.
Furthermore, the MEA criticized Pakistan for what it described as the ongoing propagation of officially sponsored disinformation, citing the use of terms such as “Fitna al-Hindustan.” This phrase, which translates to “the chaos of India,” is indicative of Pakistan's narrative that seeks to portray India in a negative light. The Indian government argues that such narratives are strategically aimed at diverting attention from Pakistan’s internal challenges, including economic issues and its well-documented role as a safe haven for global terrorist networks.
In a broader context, the exchange at the ASEAN Regional Forum reflects the complex geopolitical landscape in South Asia. The ARF is a key platform for dialogue and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, involving multiple countries and addressing various issues, including security, economic cooperation, and disaster management. However, the presence of contentious bilateral issues, such as the Kashmir dispute and water resource management, can overshadow collaborative efforts and hinder regional stability.
India's response to Pakistan's remarks also underscores the challenges faced by both nations in managing their international image. While India seeks to portray itself as a responsible regional power committed to countering terrorism and fostering stability, Pakistan aims to highlight its own security concerns and the perceived aggressions from India. This dynamic complicates diplomatic relations and often leads to a cycle of accusations and counter-accusations.
Moreover, the implications of this diplomatic spat extend beyond the immediate concerns of Kashmir and water management. The ongoing tensions may affect other regional partnerships and collaborations, particularly as both countries engage with larger powers such as China and the United States, which have their own strategic interests in the region. For instance, China's growing influence in Pakistan through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) could be seen as a counterbalance to India's strategic partnerships with the United States and other nations.
In light of these complexities, India has urged Pakistan to focus on dismantling the terrorist infrastructure operating from its territory. This call reflects a broader expectation that Pakistan should prioritize addressing its internal issues rather than leveling unfounded allegations against neighboring countries on international platforms. Such a shift in focus could potentially lead to a more stable regional environment, allowing for constructive dialogue and cooperation on mutual concerns.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's participation in the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum ministerial meetings in Manila over the past two days underscores India's commitment to engaging with its regional partners. These engagements are crucial for building alliances and addressing shared challenges, but they are often overshadowed by the persistent issues with Pakistan.
In conclusion, the recent remarks by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have once again brought to the forefront the enduring tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly concerning Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty. As both nations navigate their complex relationship, the international community watches closely, aware that the stability of South Asia hangs in the balance. The need for constructive dialogue and a commitment to addressing underlying issues remains paramount for both countries to move towards a more peaceful coexistence.
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