External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has issued a strong and clear warning to Pakistan, emphasising that terrorism and cooperation on water sharing cannot coexist. Speaking on bilateral relations, Jaishankar stated that while India remains committed to diplomatic engagement, meaningful progress on issues like the Indus Waters Treaty and water distribution depends on Pakistan’s actions against cross-border terrorism.
“We cannot discuss matters like terrorism and water sharing in the same breath,” Jaishankar said, underscoring that peace and security are preconditions for cooperation on all other fronts. India’s position is that ongoing terror activities orchestrated from Pakistani soil continue to undermine trust and impede progress in bilateral dialogue.
Jaishankar’s remarks reflect New Delhi’s long-standing stance that terrorism must be eradicated before constructive talks on water, trade and other cooperative frameworks can advance. The statement comes amid renewed tensions and international concern over stability in the region.
India has consistently called for action against terror networks and has linked progress on treaties, including water sharing under the Indus Waters framework, to Pakistan’s willingness to take credible steps against militant groups.
Observers say Jaishankar’s comments reinforce India’s position that security concerns must be addressed for any substantive diplomatic breakthroughs to occur. As the dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbours remains complex, India maintains that counter-terrorism cooperation is essential for trust and sustained engagement.
