Pakistan raises India-related concerns in talks with Maldives

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said he discussed Pakistan's position on Kashmir and its concerns over the Indus Waters Treaty with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during official talks in Pakistan on Wednesday.

Sharif disclosed the discussions in a joint statement with President Muizzu following a ceremony to sign bilateral agreements between the Maldives and Pakistan.

Speaking about the Kashmir dispute, Sharif said he had briefed the Maldivian President on Pakistan's position concerning Jammu and Kashmir, a territory disputed between Pakistan and India.

"I briefed my dear brother, President Muizzu, on Pakistan's principled position regarding Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir," Sharif said.

He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution to the dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and what he described as the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination.

Sharif said Pakistan would continue supporting the people of Kashmir until their aspirations for self-determination were realised.

"Pakistan will continue to support them politically and at all international forums until they become a free and independent nation. Their sacrifices will not go in vain," he said.

The Pakistani Prime Minister also expressed concern over India's decision to suspend its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty, describing the move as a violation of an international agreement.

Sharif said Pakistan regarded the treaty as legally binding and warned against actions that would undermine its provisions.

"Legally binding treaties must be respected by both parties. Pakistan will regard any action to the contrary as a direct act of war and a hostile policy," he said.

President Muizzu did not publicly comment on Sharif's remarks concerning Kashmir or the Indus Waters Treaty during their joint statement.

Addressing regional cooperation, the Maldivian President instead expressed the Maldives' willingness to work with all member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to facilitate the convening of its next summit.

He said the Maldives was prepared to consult regional partners on restarting SAARC's activities and strengthening cooperation through dialogue.

The last SAARC summit was held in Nepal in 2014. The organisation has since struggled to convene another summit, largely because of longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan.

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed by India and Pakistan in 1960 following negotiations facilitated by the World Bank.

Under the agreement, India was allocated the waters of the three eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas and Sutlej — while Pakistan was allocated the waters of the three western rivers — Indus, Jhelum and Chenab — subject to specified uses permitted to India.

The treaty allows India certain uses of the western rivers, including hydroelectric power generation and agriculture, subject to restrictions.

Pakistan has objected to several Indian hydropower projects on these rivers, arguing that they could affect water flows into Pakistan.

India subsequently announced the suspension of its participation in the treaty, citing national security concerns. Pakistan has opposed the decision and maintains that the agreement remains binding.

The discussions between Muizzu and Sharif come as relations between the Maldives and India have improved following tensions during the early months of the Muizzu administration.

President Muizzu came to power after campaigning against the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives and the previous government's policies towards India, under the 'India Out' campaign.

Relations between the two countries deteriorated after he assumed office but subsequently improved through diplomatic engagement.

India has also provided the Maldives with financial assistance, including concessions relating to the repayment of currency swap arrangements.

President Muizzu's visit to Pakistan marks the first official visit by a Maldivian President to the country in 11 years. The two countries signed 20 agreements and memoranda of understanding during the visit, covering several areas of bilateral cooperation.