India Won’t Let Indus Waters Reach Terror Backers: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday linked water security with national security, saying India would not allow the waters of the Indus river system to benefit countries that “support terrorism,” in a sharp reference to Pakistan.

Speaking at a BJP intellectuals’ meet in Hyderabad, Singh referred to the Indus Waters Treaty , a 1960 World Bank-brokered agreement governing river-sharing between India and Pakistan, and said India’s approach to the treaty has been reassessed in light of cross-border terrorism, including the Pahalgam terror attack . He said India had made it clear that those who “sponsor terrorism” should not expect access to shared resources. Singh added that India is working to maximize the use of Indus basin waters within its own territory through expanded storage, irrigation and river-management infrastructure , ensuring that water meant for India is fully utilized domestically.

He said India had demonstrated through Operation Sindoor that it responds firmly to those who do not respond to peace, while criticising Opposition parties for questioning the armed forces and government actions.

Singh also projected India as a rising global power and a “vishwa bandhu” , citing humanitarian assistance during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, he warned that India’s adversaries should not mistake goodwill for weakness, pointing to the country’s growing defence capability and indigenous systems like the BrahMos missile .

On defence and economic growth, he said India’s defence production has reached about ₹1.5 lakh crore , with exports around ₹39,000 crore , supplying equipment to over 100 countries. He also projected exports reaching USD 2 trillion in the coming years.

Highlighting NDA achievements, Singh cited the abrogation of Article 370 , GST implementation, electrification, and internal security reforms. He said regions like Jammu and Kashmir had seen improved tourism, investment, and stability.

He also accused the Congress of dynastic politics and corruption, saying the NDA focuses on “next-generation security and development” rather than electoral gains.