India Rejects Pakistan's Remarks At ASEAN Forum, Says Indus Waters Treaty Remains On Hold

Published 23 July 2026 · india

India Rejects Pakistan's Remarks At ASEAN Forum, Says Indus Waters Treaty Remains On Hold Published By, Last Updated: July 23, 2026, 20:15 IST India criticized

India Rejects Pakistan's Remarks At ASEAN Forum, Says Indus Waters Treaty Remains On Hold Published By, Last Updated: July 23, 2026, 20:15 IST India criticized Pakistan's Deputy PM for baseless remarks at the ASEAN Regional Forum, calling out Pakistan's support for terrorism. J&K and Ladakh are integral to India. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. (PTI file photo) India has hit back at Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister over comments he made at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum. The Ministry of External Affairs called the remarks baseless and said Pakistan used the forum to spread false claims. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued the response on Thursday. He said Pakistan often misuses international platforms to hide its own record of backing terrorism across the border. J&K And Ladakh, India Says, Are Not Open For Discussion Jaiswal said Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have always been, and will always remain, part of India.

He said Pakistan has no right to comment on them. Indus Waters Treaty Still On Hold India’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty has not changed, Jaiswal said. The treaty remains suspended because Pakistan continues to support terrorism across the border, including the Pahalgam attack. He said the treaty will stay suspended until Pakistan clearly and permanently stops backing such terrorism. India Objects To Term Used By Pakistan Jaiswal also criticised Pakistan for repeatedly using state-backed propaganda dressed up in religious language, pointing to the phrase “Fitna al-Hindustan" as one example. He said this is Pakistan’s way of drawing attention away from problems inside its own country and its known role as a base for terrorist groups. He added that instead of blaming its neighbours and misusing global platforms, Pakistan should focus on shutting down terror networks operating on its own soil.

Background This is not the first time the Ministry has responded to remarks by Pakistani leaders at international events. It has previously issued similar statements after past comments by Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir at other global platforms. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What are the implications of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty? The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India is linked to Pakistan's continued support for cross-border terrorism. India has stated the treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan permanently ceases backing terrorism. How does Pakistan's alleged terrorism impact regional stability? India has stated that Pakistan's support for terrorism impacts regional stability, leading to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. About the Author Anoshito Banerjee Anoshito Banerjee is a digital journalist at CNN-News18, specialising in Indian foreign policy, global diplomacy, South and West Asian geopolitics, and strategic affairs.