Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday delivered a strong message to Pakistan, stating that India would not allow the waters of the Indus river system to benefit countries that support terrorism.

Addressing an event, Singh said the Narendra Modi-led government remains committed to protecting India’s interests and would ensure that water resources are not used in a manner that benefits what he described as “terror patrons.” His remarks come amid continuing tensions between India and Pakistan over the future of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

The statement reflects India’s broader position that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible steps to end support for cross-border terrorism. Officials have repeatedly maintained that terrorism and normal bilateral cooperation cannot go hand in hand.

India’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation, governs the sharing of waters from the Indus river system between India and Pakistan. For decades, it has been regarded as one of the most enduring agreements between the two neighbours.

However, India placed the treaty in abeyance after the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, citing national security concerns and Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism. Since then, Indian officials have consistently argued that Pakistan’s actions violate the spirit of goodwill and cooperation on which the agreement was based.

Government signals tougher approach on water sharing

Recent statements from senior ministers have indicated that New Delhi is exploring ways to maximise the use of water available to India under the Indus river system. Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil recently said the government is working to ensure that not a single drop of water that India can utilise goes to Pakistan in the coming years.

Rajnath Singh’s latest remarks add to that messaging, reinforcing the government’s view that issues related to water sharing cannot be separated from concerns about terrorism and national security.

Pakistan’s response and ongoing dispute

Pakistan has opposed India’s decision to keep the treaty in abeyance and has continued to raise concerns about water security and treaty obligations. The issue has also featured in international legal and diplomatic discussions, with India rejecting certain arbitration-related proceedings concerning the treaty.

The dispute remains a significant point of friction between the two countries, with both sides maintaining firm positions on the future of the water-sharing agreement.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday, marking their second meeting since Vijay assumed office last month.

The meeting took place during Vijay’s visit to the national capital, where he has also been scheduled to attend the Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog. Reports indicate that the interaction between the two leaders lasted around 20 minutes.

This follows Vijay’s first official meeting with the Prime Minister on May 27, shortly after taking charge as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. During that meeting, Vijay submitted a memorandum on several issues concerning the state, including the Mekedatu dam project, Tamil Nadu fishermen detained in Sri Lanka, and other matters related to the state’s interests.

Vijay’s latest Delhi visit has included meetings with several national leaders as he continues engagements with the Centre and leaders from different political parties. Reports said he also met senior Congress leaders during the trip.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister took office on May 10 after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as a key force in the 2026 Assembly elections and formed the government with support from alliance partners.

While details of the latest discussion between Vijay and the Prime Minister were not immediately disclosed, the meeting is being viewed as part of ongoing Centre-state consultations on issues concerning Tamil Nadu.

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee has received interim protection from coercive action for three weeks from the Calcutta High Court in connection with the alleged signature forgery case being investigated by the West Bengal CID. The relief comes amid an ongoing legal challenge by the senior party leader against repeated summons issued by investigators.

The case relates to allegations that signatures of several Trinamool Congress MLAs were forged on a party resolution submitted to the West Bengal Assembly during a leadership dispute. The complaint led to the registration of a case and a CID investigation, with the agency seeking to question Banerjee regarding the disputed document.

Court grants temporary relief

During the hearing, the court granted Banerjee protection from arrest and other coercive measures for three weeks while the matter remains under judicial consideration. The interim order provides temporary relief as the legal proceedings continue and the CID investigation moves forward.

Banerjee had approached the High Court challenging the CID summons and seeking protection from any adverse action. He had also requested additional time to appear before investigators, citing legal proceedings and other commitments.

CID probe and summons

The West Bengal CID has issued multiple notices to Banerjee in the alleged forgery case and has maintained that his statement is important for the investigation. Investigators have also questioned several MLAs and carried out searches linked to the probe.

According to investigators, the inquiry focuses on allegations that signatures appearing on a party communication submitted to the Assembly did not match those of some legislators. The authenticity of the document and related records remains under examination.

The matter is expected to return to court after the expiry of the interim protection period, while the CID investigation continues.