Pakistan Seeks Canada's Help on Indus Treaty, Gets Rebuff

Pakistan's diplomatic push to revive the Indus Waters Treaty in its original form has hit a wall. Sources confirmed on Tuesday that Islamabad sought Canada's backing for the restoration of the water-sharing pact with India, only to receive a clear rebuff.

The development comes months after New Delhi unilaterally declared that the 1960 treaty, brokered by the World Bank, is no longer operational in its current avatar. Indian officials have repeatedly linked the treaty's collapse to Pakistan's continued support for cross-border terrorism.

Canada's Stance

Canadian representatives conveyed to Pakistan that they cannot support the restoration of the treaty's old framework. The message from Ottawa was unambiguous — the treaty's present form is not tenable, sources told ThePrint.

This represents a significant diplomatic setback for Pakistan, which has been trying to internationalise the water dispute. Islamabad had hoped that Canada, as a Commonwealth partner and a nation with influence in multilateral forums, could help pressure India into returning to the negotiating table under the original terms.

India's Position Hardens

New Delhi has been categorical. "The Indus Waters Treaty in its present form no longer exists," a senior government official stated. The official pointed to Pakistan's involvement in terrorism against India as the fundamental reason for the treaty's unravelling.

India's stance is that it will not engage in talks under the old treaty framework. Instead, the focus has shifted to developing hydroelectric projects on the Chenab river and renegotiating the terms of water sharing. The government believes that the original treaty, signed in 1960, was weighted in Pakistan's favour and needs a complete overhaul.

The Chenab Focus

The Indian government is now prioritising the construction of new hydropower projects on the Chenab, which flows through Jammu and Kashmir. This is part of a broader strategy to maximise the utilisation of India's share of western river waters.

Officials in New Delhi have indicated that the renegotiation process will be long and complex. India is not in a rush to resolve the dispute on Pakistan's terms. The message from the top is clear — any future agreement must reflect the new realities, including the security situation and India's developmental needs.

Pakistan's 'Victim Card' Fails

Sources in New Delhi noted that Pakistan's attempt to play the "victim card" on the Indus Waters issue has failed to gain traction internationally. "The world knows who is abetting terrorism," a source told NDTV. "Pakistan's narrative cannot change India's decision."

Islamabad had hoped that by highlighting the humanitarian impact of any water shortage, it could rally global opinion. However, most nations have refrained from intervening, recognising the bilateral nature of the dispute and India's security concerns.

What Happens Next

With Canada refusing to back Pakistan's position, Islamabad's options have narrowed. The Indus Waters Treaty, one of the few enduring agreements between the two neighbours, remains in limbo. India is likely to continue developing its water infrastructure on the western rivers while keeping the door open for a renegotiated pact — but only on its own terms.