India has always adhered to Indus Water Treaty: VK Singh

Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said India fully adheres to Indus Water Treaty and Pakistan to adhere as well.

New Delhi, Dec 15: India has always adhered to the letter and spirit of the 56-year-old Indus Water Treaty and expects Pakistan to refrain from impeding in any way fullest exercising of India's rights permissible under the pact, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said on Thursday.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, he said in the recent past, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has made several statements on the alleged violations of the treaty by India and stated that the treaty cannot be altered or revoked unilaterally.

"India has always strictly adhered to the letter and spirit of the Treaty and expects Pakistan to abide by the Treaty and not impede realisation of the full potential of the development of Indus and its rivers. The government, reviews, from time to time, implementation of IWT. In such a review recently, it was decided that full utilisation of India's rights under the Treaty should be accorded priority," Singh said, adding government continues to monitor the development in this regard.

Replying to a separate question on Russia, Pakistan and China coming closer, the minister said government does not comment on third country relationships.

"It pursues an independent foreign policy driven by India's national interests. Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India's security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard its interests," he added.

PTI