Abrogating Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan would be a drastic step for India if Prime Minister Narendra Modi decides to do so. Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal today said that India at present is not considering withdrawal of the treaty as it will be “drastic”. “I don’t think we are at the moment thinking of abrogating Indus waters treaty, that will be a drastic step,” Sibal told ANI.
Explaining further, Sibal said the withdrawal of the treaty would invite a lot of legal problems in the international arena. “It (withdrawal) will entail a lot of problems at the legal level, with organisations like World Bank etc,” he said. PM Modi is today meeting official to take stock of the treaty and decide if it could be used to punish Pakistan.
The tension between both countries has risen since four Pakistani terrorists killed I8 Indian soldiers at Uri in Kashmir recently. Sibal further said that Indus Waters Treaty is an international treaty. Being a responsible country, “India can’t behave irresponsibly at the international level.” About dealing with India’s notorious neighbour, Sibal said, “If Pakistan continues to pursue its policy of using terror as an instrumental policy against us (India), then we may have to think of other options.”
Talking about External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s upcoming speech at the United Nations General Assembly, where it is believed by a section of media that she would strongly condemn Pakistan, Sibal expected that the speech would be within the framework of the speech given by PM Modi on Saturday.recently. “Worst has been said, whatever EAM (Swaraj) says now has to be within the framework of what the PM has said.”
Speaking in Kerala, PM Modi had signalled war with Pakistan was not on the agenda of his government. Instead, the focus is on letting Pakistan crumble from within naturally under the pressure of its own people who wants and deserve change and good life.
(ANI inputs)
