Union Minister Amit Shah said the Indus Waters Treaty “will never be restored,” citing Islamabad’s violation of the agreement's terms. He asserted that Pakistan would no longer receive the water it had been unjustifiably benefiting from. Shah explained that the Narendra Modi government had suspended the 1960 agreement in response to Pakistan’s repeated breaches of peace and development, the core principles of the treaty. 

ALSO READ: Pakistan Nominates Trump For Nobel Peace Prize, Says Deserves It For India-Pakistan Ceasefire Mediation

“No, it will never be restored. International treaties can’t be annulled unilaterally but we had the right to put it in abeyance, which we have done. The treaty preamble mentions that it was for peace and progress of the two countries but once that has been violated, there is nothing left to protect,” he said in an interview with TOI. 

Shah stated that the water previously flowing "unjustifiably" to Pakistan would now be redirected to Indian states such as Rajasthan. In an interview with The Times of India, he said, “Paani Rajasthan tak jayega,” adding that India would build a canal to make use of its rightful share.

“We will use water that rightfully belongs to India. Paani Rajasthan tak jayega. We will take the water that was flowing to Pakistan to Rajasthan by constructing a canal. Pakistan will be starved of water that it has been getting unjustifiably,” he said. 

The Indus Waters Treaty was suspended with immediate effect after India-Pakistan relations sharply deteriorated following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In response, India undertook a series of diplomatic measures, including the expulsion of Pakistani nationals.

The decision to halt implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty comes amid rising tensions following recent terrorist attacks in Kashmir, including one in Pahalgam. Amit Shah described the attack on Indian tourists as a "deliberate attempt" by Pakistan to disrupt peace in the Valley. "The youth in Kashmir recognise this evil plan. There were protests in every town in the Valley after the attack," he said, highlighting an unprecedented show of solidarity.

ALSO READ: What Are J-35 Stealth Fighter Jets China Is Supplying To Pakistan; How Does It Concern India | EXPLAINED

Responding to Congress criticism of Operation Sindoor and the subsequent retaliatory strikes, Shah said India had inflicted “damage on Pakistani airbases” while ensuring civilian areas were not targeted. He dismissed claims of Indian losses, commending the precision of Indian agencies and scientists in developing advanced weapon systems. "Our forces struck with full force. Pakistan sought a suspension of strikes almost immediately," he said.