Hardeep Singh Puri counters Bilawal Bhutto’s remark that ‘blood will flow in the Indus River’

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri issued a strong response to a provocative statement made by Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto regarding India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Speaking at a recent public rally in Sukkur, located in Pakistan’s Sindh province, Bilawal Bhutto asserted, “The Indus River is ours; it belongs to us. Either our water flows through it or their (Indians') blood does.” The remark, perceived as incendiary, prompted sharp criticism from Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday.

“I have heard his (Bilawal’s) comments. Tell him to jump into the water wherever he sees it. But how can he jump when there is no water? Such comments are not worth giving attention to. They will understand the consequences,” said Hardeep Singh Puri.

The Union Minister stated that the incident in Pahalgam was clearly a cross-border terror attack orchestrated by the neighbouring country, and those responsible have already claimed accountability.

“Unlike in the past, there will be no more back-and-forth dealings. As Prime Minister Modi has said, Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price. This is only the beginning. Terrorists are violating the basic right to life. The entire world is condemning this. Pakistan is not just an irresponsible state; it is a nation in decline,” said Hardeep Singh Puri, using stern language.

The Minister also referred to a gesture allegedly made by Colonel Taimoor Rahat, the Army and Air Advisor at the Pakistan High Commission in London, indicating a throat-slitting motion. Puri remarked, “This is state-sponsored terrorism. The time has come for them to pay the price. If they (Pakistan) believe they can withstand the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, I wish them good luck.”