Why in News?

  • India rejected Pakistan's allegations that it deliberately created a flood-like situation in Pakistan's Punjab province by increasing the flow of the Chenab River.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India will continue to share high-flood data with Pakistan on humanitarian grounds.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

India's Response
  • The MEA described Pakistan's allegations as:
    • Baseless.
    • Without factual basis.
    • Contrary to facts.
  • According to India, the increase in the Chenab's flow resulted from a natural hydrological response caused by heavy monsoon rainfall in the upper catchment areas near Jammu.
Flood Data Sharing
  • India stated that it will continue to share high-flood data with Pakistan:
    • On humanitarian grounds.
    • Through diplomatic channels.
    • Whenever the situation requires.
Flood Situation
  • The Chenab River remained in a high-flood state during the previous week due to continued monsoon rainfall over Jammu and Punjab.
  • India stated that the river discharge did not reach extraordinary levels requiring the issuance of special flood warnings.
  • The observed river flows were consistent with prevailing monsoon conditions.

INDUS WATER TREATY & DATA SHARING

Current Status
  • India stated that the non-operational status of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has not affected water-related cooperation between the two countries.
Flood Data Shared
  • Despite the Indus Waters Treaty being placed in abeyance following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, India shared flood-related data with Pakistan on 23 occasions in 2025.
  • India stated that similar information would continue to be shared whenever necessary.
INDIA REJECTS PAKISTAN’S CLAIMS OVER CHENAB RIVER FLOODING explained for UPSC

INDIA’S POSITION

  • The rise in river flow was attributed solely to heavy monsoon rainfall.
  • India stated that attempts to portray a weather-driven flood event as the result of an upstream intervention are:
    • Factually incorrect.
    • Technically untenable.
    • Contradicted by Pakistan's own flood advisories.

SIGNIFICANCE

  • Highlights India's position that humanitarian cooperation on flood information will continue despite the current status of the Indus Waters Treaty.
  • Reaffirms India's rejection of allegations regarding deliberate release of water into Pakistan.
  • Emphasises that the increase in the Chenab River's flow was due to natural monsoon conditions rather than any upstream intervention by India.