Russian geopolitical analyst Dr Roksolana Zigon warned on Tuesday that weakening the Indus Waters Treaty for political purposes would be a dangerous step and has stressed that its continuation is essential for regional peace.
Speaking at an international seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty in Islamabad, Dr Zigon expressed serious concern over India's position on water issues. She said India's unilateral policies were damaging international trust and warned that the construction of dams in upstream areas could increase instability in the region.
Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik addresses International Seminar on Indus Waters Treaty.@ClimateChangePK@DrMusadikMalik#IndusWatersTreaty #WaterSecurity #Islamabad #IWT2026 #PakistanTV pic.twitter.com/gVAkdw2oa6
— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) June 30, 2026
'India's water threat breaches international law'
Dr Zigon said India's statement about depriving Pakistan of water was a violation of international law. She noted that more than 90 per cent of Pakistan's agriculture depends on river water and said the Indus Waters Treaty forms the basis for the fair distribution of water across the region. She added that changes to the natural flow of rivers could harm Pakistan's agricultural sector.
She said India was attempting to use water as a political weapon and warned that further dam construction in upstream areas could heighten regional instability. She said the continued implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty remained indispensable for peace and stability in South Asia.
Indus waters treaty remains key water-sharing accord
Dr Zigon said the Indus Waters Treaty was regarded internationally as one of the world's most successful water-sharing agreements. Under the treaty, India has the right to use the eastern rivers, while Pakistan is entitled to the waters of the western rivers. She added that the Permanent Indus Commission remained an important and effective forum for resolving disputes.
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