Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has firmly denied Pakistan’s allegations that India targeted the Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectric project in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK). Misri labeled the accusations as “an absolute and complete fabrication” and a “blatant lie” during a special press briefing on Thursday.
Misri expressed concern that Pakistan might be using these claims as a pretext to justify targeting Indian infrastructure. “I should note that if this kind of claim is a pretext for targeting Indian infrastructure of a similar nature, Pakistan will be entirely responsible for the consequences that will undoubtedly follow,” he stated.
Misri also clarified that contrary to reports in Pakistani and Turkish media, there has been no contact between the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of India and Pakistan since Operation Sindoor, which took place early on Wednesday morning. He emphasized that India has not targeted any infrastructure within Pakistan.
The accusations from Pakistan come in the wake of India’s announcement of placing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) “in abeyance” following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
Misri accused Pakistan of spreading “disinformation” regarding the IWT. He stated that India has, “over the last year-and-a-half to two years,” sent “several notices to them [Pakistan] requesting negotiations to discuss a modification of the treaty.”
“India has for over six decades now, honoured the treaty, even during periods when Pakistan imposed multiple wars on us, and even when relations were adversarial. Pakistan is the one that has been acting in violation of the treaty,” Misri asserted, accusing Pakistan of “hampering” India’s rights to use its “legitimate waters under the treaty.”
Misri argued that the Indus Waters Treaty needs to be updated to reflect current realities. “This is a treaty that was based on the engineering techniques of the ’50s and the ’60s. We are living through the first quarter of the 21st century. Technological changes and technological advancements have to be taken into account,” he said.
FAQs on the Neelum-Jhelum Project and IWT
What is the Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectric project?
It is a hydroelectric power plant located in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
What is Pakistan’s allegation regarding the Neelum-Jhelum project?
Pakistan alleges that India targeted the Neelum-Jhelum project.
How did India respond to Pakistan’s allegation?
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called the allegation “an absolute and complete fabrication” and a “blatant lie.”
What was Foreign Secretary Misri’s warning to Pakistan?
Misri warned Pakistan of “consequences” if it uses the claim as a pretext to target Indian infrastructure.
Has there been any contact between the NSAs of India and Pakistan?
No, Foreign Secretary Misri clarified that there has been no contact since Operation Sindoor.
Why did India put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance?
Following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
What is India’s stance on the Indus Waters Treaty?
India says it has honored the treaty for over six decades, even during times of conflict with Pakistan.
What is India accusing Pakistan of regarding the Indus Waters Treaty?
India accuses Pakistan of “acting in violation of the treaty” and “hampering” India’s legitimate use of its waters.
What changes does India believe are necessary for the Indus Waters Treaty?
India believes the treaty needs to be modified to take into account changes in technology, climate, and demographics.
What was Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a military operation conducted by India. (This information is from other articles, but may be useful in context)