Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's unwavering position on its relationship with Pakistan, emphasizing that any future dialogue would be strictly limited to addressing terrorism. He categorically ruled out discussions on broader bilateral issues such as the Kashmir dispute or water-sharing agreements.

Addressing the media on May 15, Jaishankar declared that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a longstanding water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, will remain suspended until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible steps to end cross-border terrorism.

"The Indus Waters Treaty is held in abeyance and will continue to be held in abeyance until the cross-border terrorism by Pakistan is credibly and irrevocably stopped," Jaishankar stated.

The suspension of the IWT follows a series of retaliatory measures by India after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily tourists. In response, India not only suspended the treaty but also closed the Integrated Check Post at the Attari border and reduced the staff strength at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi.

Jaishankar also addressed the Kashmir issue, asserting that the only matter left to discuss is the vacating of illegally occupied Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). "The only thing which remains to be discussed on Kashmir is the vacating of illegally occupied Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir; we are open to that discussion," he emphasized.

Regarding recent military operations, Jaishankar clarified that India's actions were targeted solely at terrorist infrastructure and not at the Pakistani military. "We had sent a message to Pakistan saying we are striking at terrorist infrastructure, we are not striking at the military and the military has an option of standing out and not interfering in this process. They chose not to take that good advice," he remarked.

Jaishankar's statements underscore India's firm stance that any engagement with Pakistan will be contingent upon concrete actions against terrorism, with no room for discussions on other bilateral issues until such conditions are met.