India Rejects Pakistan's Kashmir Claims, Calls Indus Waters Treaty Outdated at UNHRC

GENEVA: India on Thursday strongly rejected Pakistan's allegations regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, terming them as baseless. Speaking at the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), First Secretary Anupama Singh of India's Permanent Mission to the UN asserted that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India.

Ms Singh challenged Pakistan's claims, stating that the country has no locus standi to comment on Indian affairs. She further highlighted that the Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, is outdated in the context of contemporary challenges, including climate change and shifting demographic patterns. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs the sharing of waters from the Indus river system between India and Pakistan.

India's statement came in response to remarks made by Pakistan's representative earlier in the session. Ms Singh accused Pakistan of engaging in a 'propaganda exercise' and called for the international community to take note of Pakistan's track record of supporting cross-border terrorism. She urged the council to focus on human rights violations in Pakistan, including those against religious and ethnic minorities.

The Indus Waters Treaty has survived multiple conflicts between the two nations, but India has previously expressed concerns over its rigidity. In recent years, India has sought to renegotiate certain provisions, citing the need to adapt to climate-induced water variability and increased energy demands.

India's position remains that Jammu and Kashmir is its internal matter, and any external interference is unacceptable. The Ministry of External Affairs has consistently maintained that the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 was a sovereign decision aimed at integration and development of the region.

Pakistan, on the other hand, has raised the issue at various international forums, seeking intervention. However, India has repeatedly dismissed these attempts as unfounded.

The UNHRC session continues, with several countries expected to speak on regional human rights situations.