New Delhi, May 06 (KNO): Referring to the recent developments around the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India’s water resources will be used for the country's own benefits and cannot be allowed to flow outside.
Speaking with the national TV channel, the Prime Minister, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “Bharat ke haq ka paani, Bharat ke haq mein bahega.”
He added that the country had started initiatives to link rivers, aiming to make better use of its water resources.
Notably, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, 2025, following a terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 innocent people, mostly tourists dead.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had announced the decision, linking it to Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
PM Modi had earlier remarked that “water and blood cannot flow together.”
PM Modi said, “For decades, the water of our rivers has been a subject of tension and conflict. Now, our country is working on river-linking initiatives. Projects like the Ken-Betwa Link and the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link will help farmers.”
He also said that prior to 2014, the banking sector was facing major challenges, but reforms had helped stabilise it. “Our banking system today is among the strongest in the world. Banks are seeing record profits and depositors are benefiting.”
On the broader governance record, PM Modi said, “In 2014, people had lost trust in the government. Some even questioned if democracy and development could go together. Today, it can be said that democracy can deliver.”
He said that over the past decade, 25 crore people were lifted out of poverty. He also said that small entrepreneurs had gained access to credit through schemes like Mudra Yojana, which had improved their livelihoods.
Earlier in a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Delighted to speak with my friend PM @Keir_Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, along with a Double Contribution Convention. These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon.”—(KNO)