De-escalation Choice Rests with Pakistan, Says Foreign Secy Vikram Misri

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India’s approach is not to escalate tensions with Pakistan. In a second briefing on May 8 after Operation Sindoor, Misri mentioned that the Indian army only responded to the Aprill 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the choice to de-escalate matters is in Pakistan’s court. 

“Our approach is not to escalate the situation, we only responded to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack,” said the foreign secretary. “Pakistan escalated the situation, we only responded. Choice is with Pakistan,” he added. 

In response to claims that the national security advisors of both countries are in contact with each other, Misri said he has no information regarding this development.

Commenting on the termination of Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the foreign secretary said in the last six decades, India has honoured the treaty even in times of war and despite Pakistan’s violation of the treaty. The treaty survived two wars fought between India and Pakistan. 

The governments of both the countries were in touch for the last two and a half years, and India has sent multiple notices to Pakistan to deliberate on the changes required in the treaty, including modifications related to technological advancements, he added.  

“Pakistan has been the one acting in violation of the treaty, deliberately creating legal roadblocks in India...This treaty was based on the engineering techniques of the 50s and 60s... Technological changes and advancements have to be taken into account,” he said. 

The treaty has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan in the past as well. Pakistan has objected to some of India’s hydropower and water infrastructure-related projects, contesting that such projects will reduce river flows towards Pakistan and severely impact the neighbouring country’s agriculture. Around 80% of Pakistan’s agriculture and a third of its hydropower are reportedly dependent on the Indus basin’s water.