Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Warns India Over Indus Waters Treaty, Says Every Drop Is a ‘Red Line’

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a fresh warning to India over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, declaring that "every single drop" of Pakistan’s water is a "red line" and cautioning that Islamabad would respond if New Delhi did not change its approach.

Speaking during Pakistan’s Independence Day ceremony at the Yadgar-e-Fatah event, Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, pledged continued diplomatic support for Kashmiris, and claimed Pakistan had emerged stronger following the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.

Sharif Warns India Over Indus Waters Treaty

Addressing the gathering, Sharif criticised India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a unilateral and illegal move. He alleged that the suspension reflected hostility rather than a commitment to regional peace.

"Every single drop of our water is a red line. If India does not come to the right path, it will be given a direct response," Sharif said during his speech.

He further claimed that any future challenge to Pakistan’s sovereignty or national security would receive an even stronger response than what Islamabad says it demonstrated during the 2025 conflict.

Why India Suspended the Indus Waters Treaty

India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty after the April 2025 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed. New Delhi attributed the attack to Pakistan-backed terrorists and subsequently announced a series of diplomatic and strategic measures against Islamabad.

The suspension of the water-sharing agreement came before India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border.

Pakistan Claims It Wants Regional Peace

Despite the sharp warning, Sharif maintained that Pakistan supports peace and regional stability. He said the country believes disputes should be resolved through justice and according to United Nations principles.

According to the Pakistani Prime Minister, the 2025 conflict enhanced Pakistan's international standing, and the country remains committed to maintaining peace while protecting its sovereignty.

Kashmir Remains Central to Pakistan's Position

Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing position on Kashmir, stating that Islamabad would continue extending political, diplomatic and moral support to Kashmiris until they achieve what he described as their right to self-determination.

He added that Pakistan would not allow what he termed the sacrifices of Kashmiris to be forgotten and reaffirmed Islamabad’s continued backing for the cause.

Pakistan Highlights New Defence Partnership

During his address, Sharif also referred to the recently announced trilateral defence agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Under the reported agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be treated as an attack against all, reflecting deeper defence cooperation among the participating nations.

India-Pakistan Tensions Remain High

Relations between India and Pakistan remain strained following the 2025 terror attack, India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and subsequent military developments. Sharif's latest remarks are expected to further fuel diplomatic tensions, while New Delhi has consistently maintained that cross-border terrorism remains the primary obstacle to normal bilateral relations.