Himanta Biswa Sarma: Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty Marks India’s Assertive Diplomacy

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday expressed strong support for India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, calling it a significant move in a “new era of assertive diplomacy.” The statement follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

Sarma, in a comment reflecting India’s tough stance, said, “This is Bharat striking back,” emphasizing that water security is as critical to national security as any other strategic concern. The Chief Minister’s remarks come in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, where terrorists targeted a popular tourist spot at Baisaran Meadows near Pahalgam, in south Kashmir, on Tuesday, causing widespread devastation.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs the sharing of water from the Indus River system between India and Pakistan. India’s move to suspend the agreement highlights the growing frustration with Pakistan’s alleged involvement in supporting terrorism and its failure to address security concerns raised by India. Sarma’s statement marks an endorsement of the government’s tough stance in the face of continued violence along the border.

India’s decision to suspend the treaty adds to its ongoing push for stronger diplomatic measures in the region, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.