India has strongly dismissed Pakistan’s remarks at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum, accusing Islamabad of misusing the platform to push “false narratives” and politicise discussions. Responding to comments made by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, New Delhi reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will remain on hold until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ends cross‑border terrorism.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan has a long history of exploiting international forums to divert attention from its own record of sponsoring terrorism. He added that Islamabad’s statements were yet another attempt to shift focus away from its domestic challenges and its continued sheltering of extremist groups.
India also rejected Pakistan’s references to Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, asserting that both regions “have always been, are, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.” The MEA criticised Pakistan for using state‑sponsored propaganda, including religiously charged rhetoric such as “Fitna al‑Hindustan,” calling it an effort to inflame sentiment and distract from Pakistan’s internal issues.
New Delhi’s firm stance comes amid heightened tensions following recent terror incidents, including the Pahalgam attack, which India says underscores Pakistan’s continued support for cross‑border militancy. India maintains that the suspension of the IWT — announced in April 2025 — is directly linked to Pakistan’s failure to curb terrorism.
The exchange highlights the widening diplomatic rift between the two neighbours, with India signalling that no progress on water‑sharing or broader engagement is possible until Pakistan addresses its security commitments.