Indus Waters Treaty Sparks Political Clash

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for labeling the Indus Waters Treaty as 'communal appeasement' by Jawaharlal Nehru. Ramesh defended the treaty's historical importance, while Jaishankar criticized Congress and Nehru's handling, citing recent tensions post-Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent treaty abeyance.

In a sharp political confrontation, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh lambasted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday over remarks concerning the Indus Waters Treaty. Ramesh condemned Jaishankar's description of the treaty as 'communal appeasement' by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, calling the comment 'atrocious.'

Jaishankar, while addressing the Rajya Sabha, had criticized the Congress for being 'uncomfortable with history' and highlighted what he termed as Congress's missteps in managing the treaty. The External Affairs Minister defended the government's decision to put the treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting it was necessary as part of correcting past mistakes.

Ramesh countered by emphasizing India's significant achievements under the treaty, pointing to several hydropower projects and the pivotal role of the eastern rivers for Indian agriculture. He also accused Jaishankar of omitting key benefits Nehru secured for the nation. The debate comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, where discussions over treaty revisions continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)