India Dismisses Latest Ruling on Indus Waters Treaty: What’s Next?

India's Firm Rejection of Arbitration Court's Ruling

On Monday, India firmly rejected the recent ruling issued by what it termed an "illegally constituted" Court of Arbitration regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that this so-called court was established by the World Bank in clear violation of the treaty's terms.

In its statement, the MEA emphasized that India does not recognize the legal standing of this court and has consistently maintained that its formation represents a serious breach of the IWT.

The MEA declared, "The so-called Court of Arbitration has issued an award regarding Interim Measures and the Status of the Indus Waters Treaty. This court was set up by the World Bank in blatant violation of the treaty, and India categorically rejects its award, just as it has dismissed all previous statements from this body."

Furthermore, the MEA reiterated that India has never acknowledged the legitimacy of this court and has not participated in its proceedings, asserting that its decisions hold no authority over India's sovereign actions.

The MEA also confirmed that India's decision to suspend the IWT remains unchanged.

This statement follows the court's recent ruling concerning the IWT's status and interim measures related to the Ratle Hydro-Electric Plant (RHEP), which mandated India to adhere to its treaty obligations regarding hydro-electric projects on the Western Rivers.

The IWT, signed on September 19, 1960, governs the use of waters from the Indus river system between India and Pakistan.

In light of the Pahalgam terror attack last year, India invoked its rights under international law to place the IWT in abeyance until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.

In June, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's position, stating that the treaty remains suspended until Pakistan fully halts cross-border terrorism.