Pakistan Accuses India of 17 Indus River Projects Aimed at 'Hydro-Hegemony'

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has voiced strong objections to at least 17 Indian projects on the Indus river system, labeling them as "tools for hydro-hegemony." Dar criticized India's actions, stating they deviate from the established legal frameworks of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which India has unilaterally suspended. He emphasized the treaty's historical resilience through conflicts and challenges, noting Pakistan's consistent pursuit of dispute resolution through international mechanisms. Dar asserted that India's "belligerent statements" have been followed by "illegal actions," including diversion projects on key rivers, which he believes will drastically alter the river system.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over shared water resources, potentially impacting regional stability and the management of critical river systems.