End of Indus Waters Treaty: Why Modi’s Decision Has Farmers Cheering Nationwide
20 May 2025, New Delhi: Union Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held an important dialogue with farmer unions from across India at Shinde Auditorium, Pusa Campus in Delhi, regarding the Modi government’s recent decision on the Indus Waters Treaty.
Farmer representatives from various states welcomed the government’s move, while Chouhan strongly criticized the original treaty, calling it “an injustice to the nation.” He recalled that when the Indus Waters Treaty was signed, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru handed over 80% of India’s water to Pakistan and even paid ₹83 crore—an amount equivalent to ₹5,500 crore today.
Chouhan stated that despite opposition from water experts, Nehru forced the treaty upon the country. “We were sacrificing our farmers’ water for a country that breeds terrorism,” he added. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ended this historic injustice, and this water will now be used for the benefit of Indian farmers and the country.”
Chouhan also referred to recent cross-border tensions, expressing deep pain over innocent Indian youth being killed after being asked about their religion. “India doesn’t provoke anyone, but if provoked, we won’t back down. Modi ji gave the military a free hand, and the armed forces destroyed terrorist camps without attacking Pakistani civilians. We didn’t start it—Pakistan did, thinking drones and missiles from Turkey and China would scare us. But our brave soldiers shot them down like toys. Pakistan was on its knees in just three days,” Chouhan said.
Chouhan emphasized that Modi’s decision to cancel the Indus Waters Treaty is not a minor event. “Water and blood cannot flow together,” he said, echoing the Prime Minister’s firm stance.
Quoting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 1960 Lok Sabha speech—published in the Lok Sabha Debates Second Series, Volume 48, Pages 3165–3240—Chouhan pointed out that Vajpayee had opposed the treaty and called it unfair. Pakistan’s then-president Ayub Khan himself admitted that the treaty wouldn’t have happened without Nehru’s interference.
Chouhan questioned the idea of “buying peace” by giving away water and money. “Without water, there is no agriculture, no life, and no hydroelectricity. It was a grave mistake,” he added.
Chouhan noted that Pakistan never abided by the agreement and even denied India the right to remove silt from its dams—an issue India is now addressing by withholding water at the Salaland Baglihar dams.
Amid broad support from farmer groups, Chouhan assured them that an open dialogue would be maintained and that the government is committed to using this water for the rightful benefit of states like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. He reiterated that “as Agriculture Minister, I am your servant—my doors and heart are always open to farmers.”
During the meeting, Chouhan honored Punjab farmer Sardan Goma Singh, who had vacated his home during ‘Operation Sindoor’ to support Indian soldiers.
Farmer leaders attending the event unanimously supported the government’s stand and demanded full cancellation of the Indus Waters Treaty, arguing that Pakistan has consistently violated its terms since 1960. They urged the government to ensure that water from the Indus river is diverted to benefit Indian states that have long been deprived.
Farmer organizations also declared that Indian farmers are known for their courage and will never tolerate injustice. “This decision is historic,” they said, “and while its implementation may take time, we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the government throughout the process.”
They concluded by reaffirming that “water for fields and fair price for crops” are the twin pillars of farmer prosperity, and commended the Modi government for taking bold steps in that direction.
Farmer leaders who spoke included Ashok Balyan, Dharmendra Malik, Satyanarayan Nehra, Kripa Singh Nathuwala, Satvinder Singh Kalsi, Mankaram Parihar, Satish Chikkara, Baba Shyam Singh, Baba Moolchand Seharawat, Prof. V.P. Singh, Rajesh Singh Chauhan, Sushila Bishnoi, and Rampal Singh Jat.
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