India is extending a humanitarian gesture to Pakistan by sharing critical flood data through diplomatic channels, even as the Indus Water Treaty remains suspended, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Friday. This move comes in response to heavy rainfall affecting the region, highlighting India's commitment to humanitarian aid despite strained bilateral relations.

"We have been sharing high flood data with Pakistan through our diplomatic channels as and when required," said ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during his weekly media briefing. "This is being done based on humanitarian considerations, given the kind of rainfall impacting that part of India and the region." The data is being relayed via the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, ensuring timely communication to help mitigate flood risks.

The Indus Water Treaty, a decades-old agreement governing the sharing of river waters between India and Pakistan, was suspended by India following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. India declared that "blood and water cannot flow together," linking the treaty's suspension to Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism. The treaty remains in "abeyance" until Pakistan takes credible steps to end such activities, according to New Delhi.

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Tensions escalated further after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories. The operation led to four days of intense clashes, culminating in a mutual understanding to halt military actions on May 10. Despite these hostilities, India’s decision to share flood data underscores a willingness to prioritize humanitarian needs over political disputes.

In a separate development, Jaiswal addressed queries about the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during the briefing. He noted that the organization is considering expansion, with Armenia and Azerbaijan submitting membership applications this year. "Due to time constraints, a decision could not be taken at the Tianjin summit," Jaiswal said, referring to the SCO’s annual summit held on August 31 and September 1 in China. "The matter remains under consideration by the group," he added, signaling ongoing discussions about the organization’s future.

India’s sharing of flood data with Pakistan reflects a delicate balance between humanitarian outreach and firm diplomatic stances, as both nations navigate a complex relationship marked by historical grievances and recent conflicts.

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