Union Minister challenges Bilawal Bhutto's 'Blood' remark: "Come to India if you dare"

Tensions continue to rise between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. After Pakistan's Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned that stopping water flow would lead to “Indian blood flowing,” Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil issued a sharp response, challenging Bhutto to come to India if he has the courage.

Paatil’s remarks came after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in response to the Pahalgam attack. Speaking at a function in Surat on Sunday, the BJP leader said,

"Modiji says 'jal hai to bal hai' (water is strength). Pakistan should not receive water under the Indus Water Treaty. Bilawal got furious and threatened bloodshed if the water stops. Should we be afraid? I say to him—if you have even a little courage, come here."

Paatil emphasized India's commitment to conserving its water resources without bowing to threats.

What Did Bilawal Bhutto Say?

Addressing a rally in Sukkur, Sindh province, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari declared that the Indus River belongs to Pakistan and will remain under its control.

Amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, Bhutto warned that if India stops the river’s flow, "their blood will flow instead." He further accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using false accusations to cover up internal failures and deceive the Indian public.

Bhutto also pointed out that while Modi cites India's ancient civilization, its roots actually lie in Mohenjo-daro, located in Pakistan’s Larkana district.

"We are the true custodians of that civilization, and we will defend it," he asserted.

The Indian government has not yet formally responded to Bhutto’s comments.

Indus Water Treaty (IWT) Suspended After Pahalgam Attack

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam, India announced the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, demanding that Pakistan permanently end its support for cross-border terrorism.

The Indus Water Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960 after nearly a decade of negotiations, governs the sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries between the two nations.

Under the treaty:

The eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) are allocated to India.

The western rivers (Chenab, Jhelum, Indus) are primarily for Pakistan’s use.

The waters of these rivers are critical to both countries’ agriculture and economy. The Kabul River, a significant tributary, does not pass through Indian territory.

With the treaty now in abeyance, the future of water sharing between India and Pakistan remains uncertain amid rising diplomatic tensions.