INDIA REJECTS PAKISTAN’S CLAIMS OVER CHENAB RIVER FLOODING
Why in News?
- India rejected Pakistan’s allegations that it deliberately created a flood-like situation in Pakistan’s Punjab province by increasing the flow of the Chenab River.
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India will continue to share high-flood data with Pakistan on humanitarian grounds.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
India’s Response
- The MEA described Pakistan’s allegations as:
- Baseless.
- Without factual basis.
- Contrary to facts.
- According to India, the increase in the Chenab’s flow resulted from a natural hydrological response caused by heavy monsoon rainfall in the upper catchment areas near Jammu.
Flood Data Sharing
- India stated that it will continue to share high-flood data with Pakistan:
- On humanitarian grounds.
- Through diplomatic channels.
- Whenever the situation requires.
Flood Situation
- The Chenab River remained in a high-flood state during the previous week due to continued monsoon rainfall over Jammu and Punjab.
- India stated that the river discharge did not reach extraordinary levels requiring the issuance of special flood warnings.
- The observed river flows were consistent with prevailing monsoon conditions.
INDUS WATER TREATY & DATA SHARING
Current Status
- India stated that the non-operational status of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has not affected water-related cooperation between the two countries.
Flood Data Shared
- Despite the Indus Waters Treaty being placed in abeyance following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, India shared flood-related data with Pakistan on 23 occasions in 2025.
- India stated that similar information would continue to be shared whenever necessary.
INDIA’S POSITION
- The rise in river flow was attributed solely to heavy monsoon rainfall.
- India stated that attempts to portray a weather-driven flood event as the result of an upstream intervention are:
- Factually incorrect.
- Technically untenable.
- Contradicted by Pakistan’s own flood advisories.
SIGNIFICANCE
- Highlights India’s position that humanitarian cooperation on flood information will continue despite the current status of the Indus Waters Treaty.
- Reaffirms India’s rejection of allegations regarding deliberate release of water into Pakistan.
- Emphasises that the increase in the Chenab River’s flow was due to natural monsoon conditions rather than any upstream intervention by India.
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