Fact Check: Amit Shah declares the Indus Water Treaty will never be restored.

Fact Check: Amit Shah Declares the Indus Water Treaty Will Never Be Restored

What We Know

On June 21, 2025, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah made a definitive statement regarding the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, asserting that it "will never be restored." He emphasized that the water flowing to Pakistan will be redirected for domestic use within India, specifically mentioning plans to construct a canal to divert this water to states like Rajasthan. Shah's comments were made during an interview with the Times of India, where he stated, "Pakistan will be starved of water that it has been getting unjustifiably" (Swarajya, NDTV).

The Indus Waters Treaty, established in 1960, governs the use of the Indus River system and has historically allowed Pakistan access to water from rivers originating in India. However, following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, India suspended its participation in the treaty, citing security concerns (Reuters, News18). Shah's remarks indicate a significant shift in India's water management strategy and its diplomatic stance towards Pakistan.

Analysis

Amit Shah's declaration is supported by multiple credible news sources, including Reuters, NDTV, and Swarajya, all of which report his unequivocal stance on the treaty's future. The context of his comments is crucial; they come after a period of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the aforementioned terrorist attack (Reuters, News18).

The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are established media outlets known for their coverage of Indian politics and international relations. However, it is important to consider potential biases. For instance, Swarajya is known for its nationalist perspective, which may influence how it frames issues related to Pakistan. Nevertheless, the consistency of Shah's statements across multiple outlets lends credibility to the claim that he has indeed ruled out any restoration of the treaty.

Furthermore, Shah's comments have significant implications for India-Pakistan relations, as they diminish any hopes for negotiations regarding the treaty. Pakistan's foreign ministry has previously stated that any unilateral action to block river water would be considered an "act of war," highlighting the potential for escalating tensions in the region (Swarajya, NDTV).

Conclusion

The claim that Amit Shah declared the Indus Water Treaty will never be restored is True. His statements, supported by multiple credible sources, clearly indicate a definitive stance against the restoration of the treaty, alongside plans to divert water for domestic use in India. This position reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions and a significant shift in India's water management policy regarding its relations with Pakistan.