India has sharply rebuked Pakistan's efforts to leverage the 5,000-year-old Indus Valley Civilisation as a basis for its national identity during the ongoing dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty. This comes after New Delhi placed the treaty in abeyance following the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives. The Indian government argues that Pakistan's repeated invocation of the ancient civilization is a desperate attempt to mask its long-standing support for cross-border terrorism and its poor record on minority rights. At the heart of the controversy is the Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, who addressed the issue during a routine press briefing on July 28, 2026. Jaiswal categorically denied Pakistan's claim to the Indus Valley Civilisation, stating that a nation responsible for decades of cross-border terrorism and religious extremism could not legitimately assert a pluralistic cultural heritage. He emphasized that Pakistan's actions, particularly its sponsorship of terrorism and its treatment of religious minorities, undermine any genuine claim to the region's shared historical legacy. Jaiswal's comments followed a series of statements by Pakistani officials, including Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, who asserted that the Indus Valley Civilisation is central to Pakistan's national identity. During a public address, Tarar claimed that the ancient civilization defines the people of Pakistan and that their identity is rooted in the banks and tributaries of the River Indus. These remarks were echoed by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, who argued that Pakistan is the true custodian of the Indus Valley Civilisation due to the location of key archaeological sites such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa within its borders. The renewed emphasis on the Indus Valley Civilisation coincides with the deepening tensions over the Indus Waters Treaty. India suspended the treaty in 2025 after the Pahalgam attack, citing Pakistan's continued support for cross-border terrorism. The Cabinet Committee on Security subsequently imposed a range of punitive measures against Pakistan, asserting that the original terms of the treaty had become obsolete due to the changing geopolitical context. Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the government's stance, declaring that "blood and water cannot flow together." Pakistan has responded to India's suspension of the treaty by challenging the move through diplomatic channels and international platforms, accusing New Delhi of "weaponising" water resources. However, the Indian government maintains that the treaty cannot be considered in isolation from Pakistan's persistent support for terrorism. The dispute has further complicated bilateral relations, with both nations engaging in a cycle of accusations and counteraccusations. In addition to the broader political implications, the debate over the Indus Valley Civilisation has sparked domestic discourse in India. Officials have noted that younger generations in India, including Gen Z, are increasingly vocal about the need for Pakistan to cease its support for terrorism. Jaiswal highlighted that the Indian populace, especially the youth, is fully aware of Pakistan's role in fostering cross-border violence and is united in its demand for an end to such activities. As the situation unfolds, the Indian government remains resolute in its position that the Indus Waters Treaty can only be revisited once Pakistan demonstrates a commitment to peace and stability in the region. The invocation of the Indus Valley Civilisation by Pakistan is thus seen not merely as a historical reference, but as a strategic maneuver aimed at redefining the narrative of the dispute. The outcome of these developments will likely shape the future of Indo-Pak relations for years to come.
3 reports
India TodayIndependentProgressiveFactual 88Objective 684 days agoIndia has strongly opposed Pakistan's efforts to use the Indus Valley Civilisation as a basis for its claims in the ongoing dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty. This follows India's decision to place the treaty in abeyance after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticized Pakistan's stance, arguing that a nation with a history of supporting terrorism and religious extremism cannot legitimately claim a pluralistic cultural heritage. Pakistan, however, has emphasized its deep historical ties to the Indus River and its associated civilisation, with officials like Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar asserting that the Indus Valley Civilisation forms the core of Pakistan's national identity. The dispute highlights broader tensions between the two nations over water rights and territorial narratives.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Pakistan's invocation of the Indus Valley Civilisation as a 'desperate' and 'phony' attempt, emphasizing Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism and religious extremism. The Indian perspective is presented as the dominant viewpoint, with minimal counterbalance. The language used,
Why factuality (88): The article accurately reflects the MEA's response to Pakistan's claim about the Indus Valley Civilization, citing the Pahalgam attack and the Indus Waters Treaty dispute. It matches the content of other articles and provides consistent details about the historical context and current tensions.
Why objectivity (68): The language used to describe Pakistan's actions is highly critical, suggesting a lack of neutrality. Phrases like 'desperate attempts' and 'grave human rights violations' indicate a biased perspective despite presenting factual claims.
Hindustan TimesIndependentConservativeFactual 85Objective 654 days agoThe Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected Pakistan's claims to the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) legacy, accusing Islamabad of hypocrisy given its alleged promotion of cross-border terrorism and violence against minorities. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticized Pakistan's efforts to leverage the IVC for geopolitical purposes, particularly during the stalled Indus Waters Treaty negotiations. Pakistani Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar asserted that the IVC is central to Pakistan's national identity, emphasizing its historical connection to the Indus River. The comments come amid tensions following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which led to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The article highlights the politicization of historical heritage in bilateral disputes.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames Pakistan's reference to the Indus Valley Civilization as a 'desperate, fake attempt' and ties it to accusations of terrorism and religious fundamentalism, which aligns with a right-leaning perspective. It emphasizes India's moral high ground while downplaying Pakistan's historical
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports India's official stance through quotes from the MEA spokesperson, aligning with cross-source consensus that India rejects Pakistan's claim to the Indus Valley Civilization. It mentions specific incidents like the Pahalgam attack and the Indus Waters Treaty dispute, whi
Why objectivity (65): The tone is clearly critical of Pakistan, using strong negative descriptors like 'cross-border terrorism' and 'abysmal track record'. While the facts are presented, the language suggests a biased perspective rather than a neutral analysis.
The HinduIndependentConservativeFactual 85Objective 604 days agoOn July 28, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Pakistan continues to promote cross-border terrorism as part of its state policy. He emphasized that Indian citizens, particularly Generation Z, are aware of Pakistan's support for terrorism against India and urged Pakistani youth to take note. The remarks came during a press briefing, referencing a recent protest by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar, which received some support from Pakistani social media users. Officials noted that this online solidarity does not impact the frozen state of India-Pakistan relations, citing the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack as a reason for the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Jaiswal also criticized Pakistan's claims to cultural heritage, arguing that its history of minority persecution undermines such assertions.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames Pakistan's actions as inherently tied to terrorism and criticizes its cultural claims, using strong language such as 'state policy,' 'abysmal track record,' and 'desperate attempts.' It emphasizes India's stance against Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism, aligning with a pro
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the MEA spokesperson's comments on Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism and the Indian public's awareness of this issue. It aligns with other articles regarding the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan's cultural claims.
Why objectivity (60): The article presents a biased view of Pakistan's intentions and cultural heritage while emphasizing India's stance on terrorism, without providing a balanced perspective on the historical and cultural aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization.
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