During his Friday speech, Modi also hinted India would continue its unilateral suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. The treaty, which India suspended after the April massacre, allows sharing of the Indus River that runs about 2,897 kilometers (1,800 miles) through South Asia and is a lifeline for both countries.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday the goods and services tax (GST) would be reformed and taxes lowered by Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, set to be celebrated in October this year.