India, Aug. 14 -- President Droupadi Murmu on Friday described India's decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance as a decisive step against a country that provides a safe haven to terrorists, saying the move was taken in the national interest, particularly that of farmers.

Addressing the nation on the eve of India's 80th Independence Day, President Murmu also highlighted India's young population, public examination reforms and the role of the armed forces in combating terrorism.

India put the 1960 water-sharing treaty with Pakistan in abeyance following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed.

'Clear message' to terrorists

Referring to Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, President Mur...