Will Go To War: Pakistan's Khawaja Asif Threatens India
Pakistan has raised fresh concerns over the Indus River water issue amid its worsening water crisis, while both India and Pakistan continue to strengthen their defence capabilities.
A year after Operation Sindoor brought the Indus Water Treaty into the spotlight, the issue is once again making headlines in India and Pakistan. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently made strong remarks during an interview with ARY News, linking the country's water resources to national security. He said that if Pakistan feels its water supply is being threatened, it could go to war with India.
His comments come after reports claimed that India may be planning to divert water from the Indus River to other states by 2028. These reports have reportedly increased concerns in Pakistan, which is already facing a serious water crisis.
Even Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, is struggling with water shortages. According to reports, nearly 70% of the city's population faced disruptions in water supply during May 2026. Karachi's location is one of the reasons for this problem, as river water passes through Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh before reaching the city.
Some reports suggest that many people in Pakistan believe India initiated major military actions during the conflicts of 2016, 2019 and 2025. As a result, there are concerns that Pakistan could consider taking action first in any future conflict, including targeting key Indian military assets and air bases. This highlights the need for India to remain prepared.
At the same time, some observers believe the United States has recently taken a more Pakistan-friendly approach. This view is based on recent statements by US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Vance recently said that he has spoken to Pakistan's Field Marshal Munir more than almost anyone else in the past three months. Although Trump has said the US would support India if it is attacked, his changing statements have led some people to question how reliable those assurances are.
According to reports from Pakistan, the country is also planning to maintain a long-term naval presence in the Bay of Bengal for the first time since the 1971 war. It aims to do this with the Chinese-built PNS Hangor submarine, which is expected to modernise Pakistan's navy and strengthen its capabilities in the region.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy has launched three made-in-India naval ships — Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray. Dunagiri is equipped with modern weapons, including BrahMos missiles and advanced air defence systems. Sanshodhak is used for coastal and deep-sea surveys and collects important ocean data using modern technology. Agray is designed to detect and attack enemy submarines in shallow waters. Together, these ships are expected to strengthen the Indian Navy's capabilities across different operations.
