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UK Urges Indus Treaty Respect as US Cites Role in Averting India-Pakistan Nuclear Clash
UK urges all sides to honor Indus Waters Treaty as tensions rise. Trump says US prevented potential nuclear conflict between India & Pakistan. Ceasefire remains fragile amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-17
UK Urges Indus Treaty Respect as US Cites Role in Averting India-Pakistan Nuclear Clash

The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, David Lammy, urged “all sides” to adhere to their treaty obligations following India’s unilateral suspension of participation in the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan. Lammy’s remarks came at the end of a two-day visit to Islamabad amid rising tensions over India’s move, which Pakistan has condemned as a potential “act of war.”

The IWT governs the usage of the Indus River system and is crucial for water distribution between the two neighboring countries. India’s suspension on April 23 followed allegations against Pakistan for a deadly attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam — claims Pakistan has categorically denied, offering a neutral investigation.

“We would urge all sides to meet their treaty obligations,” Lammy told Reuters, emphasizing Britain’s commitment to peace and stability in the region. He also highlighted collaborative efforts with the United States to maintain an enduring ceasefire and promote dialogue between the two nations, whose long history has been marred by conflict and limited communication.

“These are two neighbours with a long history but they are two neighbours that have barely been able to speak to one other over this past period,” Lammy said. “We want to ensure that we do not see further escalation and that the ceasefire endures.”

Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump stated that the United States had averted a nuclear war between Pakistan and India during the May conflict escalation. Speaking in an interview, Trump described the tense military standoff following India’s airstrikes on Punjab and Azad Kashmir on May 6-7, which resulted in civilian casualties and prompted Pakistan to down five Indian jets in defense.

“The situation had escalated to the point where nuclear war could have broken out,” Trump said, calling his role in brokering the ceasefire “a bigger success than I will ever be given credit for.” He recalled tense moments of tit-for-tat missile launches and highlighted his efforts to encourage trade and peace between the two countries.

Trade relations remain a significant aspect of the US approach. Trump mentioned Pakistan’s potential for increased trade with the US and noted India’s readiness to cut tariffs, signaling opportunities for economic cooperation as a pathway to reduce conflict.

The ceasefire agreement has helped de-escalate one of the most intense military confrontations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in recent years, but analysts caution that the peace remains fragile. Pakistan has mourned the loss of 13 security personnel and 40 civilians during the confrontation, underlining the human cost of the conflict.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the global community watches closely, hoping that dialogue and adherence to international agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty can prevent future escalation.

 
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Ceasefire

IndiaPakistanTensions

IndusWatersTreaty

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