India slams Pakistan's 'state-sponsored' misinformation at ASEAN, says Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Security
Why in news
India categorically rejected Pakistan's comments at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, accusing it of peddling state-sponsored disinformation and diverting attention from its record of cross-border terrorism. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance due to Pakistan's continued sponsorship of terrorism, including the Pahalgam attack.
Background
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank, to manage the sharing of Indus river waters. India has previously suspended the treaty citing Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism, particularly after the 2019 Pulwama attack and the 2026 Pahalgam attack.
Key facts
India rejected Pakistan's comments at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila as 'baseless and unwarranted'.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal accused Pakistan of using the multilateral forum for 'state-sponsored disinformation'.
India stated that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India and Pakistan has no locus standi to comment.
The Indus Waters Treaty stands in abeyance until Pakistan credibly abjures support for cross-border terrorism.
Jaiswal condemned Pakistan's use of religious terminology like 'Fitna al-Hindustan' to propagate disinformation.
India urged Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil instead of blaming neighbours.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended ASEAN-related meetings in Manila.
Prelims pointers
- ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): key multilateral security forum in the Indo-Pacific.
- Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): signed in 1960, brokered by World Bank.
- Pahalgam attack: 2026 terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Fitna al-Hindustan: term used by Pakistan to refer to India, condemned by India.
- Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh: formed in 2019 after abrogation of Article 370.
Mains angles
- India-Pakistan bilateral relations: impact of cross-border terrorism on treaties and diplomacy.
- Role of multilateral forums (ASEAN, ARF) in addressing state-sponsored disinformation.
- Water security and the Indus Waters Treaty: suspension as a diplomatic tool.
- Counter-terrorism cooperation and the need for Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure.