What happened?
India reiterated its position that any issues related to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir must be resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that this policy remains unchanged and emphasised that Pakistan must vacate the illegally occupied Indian territory. Regarding the Indus Water Treaty, Jaiswal said that it has been put in abeyance.
Why it matters to India
India’s firm stance on bilateral talks regarding Jammu and Kashmir reaffirms its territorial integrity and sovereign rights. By addressing the issue of Pakistan’s occupation of Indian territory, India underscores its core concern in the dispute. The decision to put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance reflects India’s strategic response to Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism, linking water cooperation to security concerns.