New Delhi, August 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Political leaders across the spectrum on Friday hit back at Pakistan after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the water issue as a “red line” for Islamabad, with several Indian leaders warning that any attempt at a “misadventure” would invite a strong response.
Sharif had said Pakistan would not compromise on the water issue in what was described as a direct response to India’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
India has maintained that the treaty remains in abeyance until Pakistan completely stops cross-border terrorism.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh said India would continue to act in accordance with its national interests and defend them firmly.
“India works strictly in its own national interest. Whatever power there may be in the world…what stature does Pakistan even have? We work in our own interest and we defend our interests resolutely,” Singh told IANS.
BJP national spokesperson R.P. Singh referred to the impact of Operation Sindoor and warned Pakistan against any further escalation.
“Shehbaz Sharif may have forgotten the state that Pakistan was reduced to during Operation Sindoor last year, the way their (terror) infrastructures and airports were destroyed. If they attempt any misadventure, Pakistan will get removed from the world map forever,” he said.
Congress MP Tariq Anwar said India had reasons for keeping the IWT in abeyance, citing continued terrorist activities allegedly originating from Pakistan and recent attacks in Kashmir that resulted in civilian deaths.
“There is a reason why India has kept the IWT in abeyance,” Anwar said, adding that the circumstances made it difficult for India to maintain normal relations with Pakistan.
AAP MP Sanjay Singh also referred to Operation Sindoor, saying the Indian armed forces had demonstrated their capabilities during the military operation.
He said India should not take Pakistan’s statements lightly and asserted that the country had the capability to respond with overwhelming force. Singh added that the nation stood firmly behind the Union government and the armed forces on the issue.
India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, recently said the Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 in a spirit of goodwill and friendship. He said Pakistan had spent five decades dismantling that foundation and argued that keeping the treaty in abeyance merely acknowledged what Pakistan’s conduct had already undermined.
The latest exchange comes amid continued tensions between India and Pakistan over cross-border terrorism and the future of the Indus Waters Treaty.
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