Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has credited former US President Donald Trump with a “timely intervention” during the military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May 2025, while issuing a stern warning regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. Speaking at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sharif highlighted Trump’s role in preventing a potential escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, emphasizing the need for South Asia to avoid such conflicts in the future.
Sharif’s remarks came amid ongoing tensions over the Indus river system, as he criticized India’s decision to place the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. He described the river system as crucial to Pakistan and the region, asserting that any attempt to stop or divert Pakistan’s share of the waters would be regarded as an “act of war.” Sharif argued that international legal developments supported Pakistan’s stance on the treaty’s continued validity.
In response, India maintained that the May 2025 ceasefire was achieved through direct dialogue between the two nations, without any third-party involvement. India also rejected Pakistan’s claims regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, reiterating its right to self-defense against what it termed as Pakistan’s “long-standing policy of cross-border terrorism.” India emphasized that such actions would have consequences and dismissed repeated allegations from Pakistan.
Sharif defended Pakistan’s military response during the 2025 confrontation, citing the country’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. He commended the Pakistani armed forces for their actions during the conflict, underscoring the importance of peace and stability in South Asia.
The Indus Waters Treaty, a pivotal agreement signed by India and Pakistan in 1960, governs the allocation and utilization of the Indus river system’s waters. The treaty has been a critical factor in managing water resources between the two countries, and its status remains a point of contention amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.