Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Criticizes Nehru Over Indus Waters Treaty

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for signing the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it one of India’s greatest strategic blunders. Sarma highlighted that the treaty, signed in 1960, favored Pakistan by giving them control over 80% of the Indus basin waters, while India was left with only the smaller eastern rivers. Due to this agreement, Pakistan received 135 million acre-feet of water annually, leaving India with just 33 MAF. Sarma also pointed out that India’s rights over the western rivers were restricted, affecting the water needs of Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to suspend the treaty, emphasizing that it signifies India’s determination to defend its interests without appeasement. Sarma described Modi’s action as a bold move that strikes at the heart of Pakistan’s economy, heavily reliant on the Indus waters for agriculture.