India to Divert Pakistan’s River Water to Rajasthan: Amit Shah

India’s Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan will never be restored, and water currently flowing to Pakistan will instead be diverted for domestic use.

Speaking to The Times of India on Saturday, Shah stated, “We will take water that was flowing to Pakistan to Rajasthan by constructing a canal. Pakistan will be starved of water that it has been getting unjustifiably.”

India had placed the 1960 treaty in “abeyance” after a recent attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) left 26 civilians dead — an act India blamed on terrorism. Pakistan has denied involvement, but the treaty remains suspended even though the two nuclear-armed neighbours agreed to a ceasefire last month after their worst clash in decades.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, ensures Pakistan access to water from three major rivers originating in India. It plays a crucial role in irrigating over 80% of Pakistan’s farmland.

Amit Shah’s firm remarks have further dashed Pakistan’s hopes for any immediate revival of the agreement. According to previous reports, India is planning to increase water usage from rivers that flow into Pakistan, as a form of retaliation.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has not issued an official response yet, but has earlier warned that blocking river water would be seen as “an act of war.” Islamabad is also exploring legal action under international law to challenge India’s unilateral decision.