India Tells UN Trust Is Essential for Indus Waters Treaty Cooperation, Slams Pakistan Over Terrorism

New Delhi, July 23: India on Wednesday reiterated its position on the Indus Waters Treaty and Jammu and Kashmir during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate, asserting that meaningful cooperation cannot exist in an atmosphere where cross-border terrorism is used as an instrument of state policy.

Speaking at the UNSC High-Level Open Debate on “Natural Resources Governance: The Foundation of Peace, Security and Prosperity,” India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said trust and goodwill are essential for bilateral cooperation, particularly on matters such as water-sharing agreements.

Responding to remarks made by Pakistan during the session, Harish accused Islamabad of misusing the UN platform to advance what he described as a false narrative. He stated that India had not intended to raise bilateral issues during the debate but was compelled to respond after Pakistan’s intervention.

Reaffirming New Delhi‘s position on Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian envoy said the Union Territory “has always been, is, and will remain” an integral and inalienable part of India. He added that the only unresolved issue concerning Jammu and Kashmir relates to Pakistan‘s alleged illegal occupation of Indian territory.

On the Indus Waters Treaty, Harish said India’s position remains consistent, emphasizing that cooperation based on mutual trust and goodwill cannot be expected when terrorism continues to affect bilateral relations. He stressed that peaceful cooperation and cross-border terrorism cannot coexist.

The envoy also urged Pakistan to focus on addressing its own internal challenges rather than raising issues concerning India at international forums. According to Harish, strengthening governance within Pakistan would better serve its people than making allegations against India on global platforms.

India’s remarks came during the Security Council debate after Pakistan raised bilateral issues, prompting New Delhi to reiterate its longstanding stance on the Indus Waters Treaty, terrorism and the status of Jammu and Kashmir.