India Rejects Pakistan's Remarks At ASEAN Forum, Says Indus Waters Treaty Remains On Hold

Last Updated:July 23, 2026, 20:15 IST

India criticized Pakistan's Deputy PM for baseless remarks at the ASEAN Regional Forum, calling out Pakistan's support for terrorism. J&K and Ladakh are integral to India.

India has hit back at Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister over comments he made at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum. The Ministry of External Affairs called the remarks baseless and said Pakistan used the forum to spread false claims.

Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued the response on Thursday. He said Pakistan often misuses international platforms to hide its own record of backing terrorism across the border.

J&K And Ladakh, India Says, Are Not Open For Discussion

Jaiswal said Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have always been, and will always remain, part of India. He said Pakistan has no right to comment on them.

Indus Waters Treaty Still On Hold

India’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty has not changed, Jaiswal said. The treaty remains suspended because Pakistan continues to support terrorism across the border, including the Pahalgam attack. He said the treaty will stay suspended until Pakistan clearly and permanently stops backing such terrorism.

India Objects To Term Used By Pakistan

Jaiswal also criticised Pakistan for repeatedly using state-backed propaganda dressed up in religious language, pointing to the phrase “Fitna al-Hindustan" as one example. He said this is Pakistan’s way of drawing attention away from problems inside its own country and its known role as a base for terrorist groups.

He added that instead of blaming its neighbours and misusing global platforms, Pakistan should focus on shutting down terror networks operating on its own soil.

Background

This is not the first time the Ministry has responded to remarks by Pakistani leaders at international events. It has previously issued similar statements after past comments by Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir at other global platforms.

About the Author

Anoshito Banerjee

Anoshito Banerjee is a digital journalist at CNN-News18, specialising in Indian foreign policy, global diplomacy, South and West Asian geopolitics, and strategic affairs. His reporting spans hard news...Read More

News world India Rejects Pakistan's Remarks At ASEAN Forum, Says Indus Waters Treaty Remains On Hold

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