Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bold Stand on Indus Waters Treaty: “India’s Water Will Now Flow for India”

New Delhi | May 6, 2025: In a landmark declaration that signals a significant shift in India’s approach to cross-border water sharing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced that India will no longer allow its river waters to flow into other nations, a direct reference to the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

Speaking at a conclave hosted by a leading media group, PM Modi strongly asserted, “There is a lot of discussion about water in the media. Earlier, India’s water was going outside. Now India’s water will flow in India’s favour and will be utilised in India’s interests.”

Though he refrained from directly naming Pakistan, the message was unmistakable. This comes in the backdrop of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which has once again escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, originally brokered in 1960, is being seen as a powerful geopolitical signal.

Why This Matters: A Historic Policy Shift

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed under World Bank mediation, has allowed Pakistan control over three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—while India retained rights over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Over the decades, the treaty has survived wars and hostilities, but Monday’s announcement marks the first real suspension in its history.

“For decades, the water of our rivers has been a subject of tension and conflict,” Modi said, adding that his government has now launched a massive campaign to link rivers across states, an initiative aimed at sustainable water usage and drought-proofing India’s agricultural landscape.

River Linking Projects to Empower Farmers

PM Modi specifically highlighted two major river-linking initiatives:

• Ken-Betwa Link Project
• Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project

“These river-linking initiatives will benefit millions of farmers,” he noted, adding that water security is not just a regional issue but a national priority. These mega-infrastructure projects are expected to improve irrigation, reduce floods, and ensure year-round water supply to dry regions.

India-UK Free Trade Agreement Finalised

In another major announcement, PM Modi revealed that India and the United Kingdom have finalised their much-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Calling it a “historic day for India,” he said, “I spoke to the British Prime Minister a while ago… I am happy to inform you that the India-UK free trade agreement has now been finalised.”

This FTA is expected to boost trade, investment, and technology transfer between the two economies. Most importantly, it opens up new opportunities for India’s booming MSME sector, helping small and medium businesses gain easier access to global markets.

Banking Reforms That Rescued the Econom

Reflecting on India’s economic journey under his leadership, PM Modi also highlighted the transformation of India’s banking sector, once on the verge of collapse before 2014.

“Prior to 2014, the banking sector was on the brink of collapse. Today, it stands among the strongest in the world,” he said. Modi credited the success to key banking reforms, including strategic mergers, digital transformation, and the crackdown on non-performing assets (NPAs).

“Banks are now recording record profits. Depositors are reaping the benefits. This remarkable turnaround is a result of our consistent, reform-oriented policies,” he said.

India Rejects OIC’s Remarks on Kashmir

In a related development, the Indian government has strongly rejected recent remarks made by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) regarding Kashmir, calling it another attempt by Pakistan to manipulate international opinion. India reiterated that Kashmir is an internal matter and external commentary will not be tolerated.

A New Chapter for India

PM Modi’s statements on the Indus Waters Treaty, economic reforms, and international trade agreements reflect a more assertive and self-reliant India. As the country heads toward a new geopolitical and economic direction, water security, farmer welfare, and global trade alliances are becoming central pillars of India’s national policy.

With India taking a bold stand on critical issues, the coming months are likely to redefine not only India’s foreign policy but also its domestic growth story.