Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a scathing critique of former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, condemning the 1960 signing of the Indus Waters Treaty as “one of the greatest strategic blunders in India’s history.” In a bold statement, Sarma highlighted how Nehru, under pressure from the American administration and the World Bank, surrendered India’s natural upper riparian advantage by allocating more than 80% of the Indus basin waters to Pakistan.
Sarma emphasized the detrimental consequences of this decision, pointing out that India was left with only 33 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, while Pakistan received a staggering 135 MAF. He lamented that India lost control over the vital Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, severely impacting the water security of Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir.
The Chief Minister criticized Nehru’s prioritization of international approval over India’s strategic and agricultural strength, stressing the long-term damage caused by the treaty to national interests. However, Sarma praised current Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his “historic and corrective” decision to initiate India’s withdrawal from the Indus Waters Treaty. By reclaiming sovereign rights over the rivers, Modi has undone a historic betrayal and signaled India’s refusal to appease terrorism.
Sarma asserted that Modi’s action not only strikes a blow to Pakistan’s economy, heavily reliant on Indus waters for agriculture, but also demonstrates India’s readiness to defend its rightful interests. He declared that after six decades, India is breaking free from the shackles of the past, entering a new era of assertiveness and self-assurance.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan are high, with both countries facing challenges in the region. Sarma’s strong stance on the issue reflects a growing sentiment of national pride and determination to uphold India’s sovereignty and security.
