As India marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor on Thursday, the government sharpened its stance against Pakistan-backed terrorism, asserting that the Indus Water Treaty would remain suspended until Islamabad irrevocably abandons support for cross-border terror activities.
The anniversary of the military operation was used by New Delhi to underline both its security doctrine and its broader diplomatic messaging following last year’s Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians and triggered one of the sharpest military escalations between India and Pakistan in recent years.
Speaking at a weekly media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Operation Sindoor had delivered a “befitting reply” to Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorism.
“The world knows that cross-border terrorism has long been an instrument of state policy for Pakistan. We in India have every right to defend ourselves against terrorism,” Jaiswal said.
He added that India would continue to strengthen global cooperation against terrorism while maintaining a firm national security posture.
Indus treaty remains suspended
A key focus of India’s messaging on the anniversary was the continued suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), a landmark water-sharing agreement signed by India and Pakistan in 1960.Jaiswal reiterated that the treaty would remain “in abeyance” because of Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism.
“Pakistan must credibly and irrevocably abjure its support for cross-border terrorism,” he said.
The suspension of the treaty after the Pahalgam attack marked a significant shift in India’s approach towards bilateral agreements with Pakistan. One year later, the impact remains visible on the ground, with the gates of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district continuing to remain closed.