India Affirms Right to Self Defense and Maintains Abeyance of Indus Waters Treaty Says Randhir Jaiswal

NEW DELHI, May 07, 2026 — Official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal addressed a media briefing today to mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. Reflecting on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, he stated that India provided a befitting response to the sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.

Jaiswal emphasized that the international community recognizes how such activities have been utilized as an instrument of state policy, asserting that India maintains every right to defend itself against these threats. He further noted that the country remains committed to strengthening the global fight against terrorism.

During the briefing, the spokesperson reiterated India’s consistent position regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. He confirmed that the treaty remains in abeyance as a direct response to the continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.

Jaiswal made it clear that for any change in this status, there must be a credible and irrevocable end to the support of such activities.

The Ministry emphasized that the safety and security of the nation remain the primary focus while addressing these long-standing diplomatic and regional challenges.