Rakesh Chauhan Death: India Seeks Urgent Venezuela Probe; MEA Reiterates Indus Waters Treaty Stand Against Pakistan
India on Friday raised two important diplomatic issues, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirming that it has formally asked Venezuela to carry out an urgent investigation into the mysterious death of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan. At the same time, the government reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan will remain suspended until Islamabad takes credible action against cross-border terrorism.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has officially taken up the matter of Chauhan's death with Venezuelan authorities and is awaiting the findings of their investigation. The move comes after serious questions were raised by the seafarer's family and maritime organisations over the condition in which his body was returned to India.
Rakesh Chauhan, a resident of Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, died while working in Venezuela. His body reached India nearly a month later without an autopsy report or any detailed explanation regarding the cause of death. Following the family's request, a second post-mortem examination was conducted in India.
According to the Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI), the examination reportedly revealed that several vital organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, were missing. The union has demanded a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the seafarer's death.
Addressing the issue, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have taken up the matter with the Venezuelan authorities and have requested them to investigate it urgently. We will keep you updated on the matter."
During the same media briefing, the MEA also responded to Pakistan's latest appeal for the restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Pakistan had recently organised a conference in Islamabad urging India to revive the 1960 water-sharing agreement.
However, India maintained that its position has not changed.
Responding to the issue, Randhir Jaiswal stated, "India's position on the Indus Waters Treaty is consistent. The Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance in response to Pakistan's continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan must credibly and irrevocably renounce its support for cross-border terrorism."
India has maintained that the treaty was placed in abeyance after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The government has repeatedly said that normal implementation of the agreement will only be considered if Pakistan takes irreversible and verifiable steps against cross-border terrorism.
With both issues attracting national attention, the MEA's statements underline India's focus on securing justice for its citizens abroad while maintaining its firm diplomatic position on national security concerns.
