The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has ruled on the Indus Water Treaty dispute between India and Pakistan.
The court said the decades-old agreement remains fully in force. It also stated that India must continue following the treaty’s provisions.
The ruling rejected India’s position that it could suspend the agreement on its own. The court found no legal basis for India to terminate or suspend the treaty.
The decision also affects the disputed Ratle hydropower project. India has been directed to limit construction activity while the wider dispute is considered.
The ruling comes amid continuing disagreements between India and Pakistan over water resources. The Indus river system remains important for both countries.
The Indus Water Treaty was signed in 1960. It establishes arrangements for sharing the waters of the Indus river system between India and Pakistan.
The agreement has remained in place despite several major conflicts and periods of tension. It has provided a framework for managing water-related issues between the two countries.
A neutral expert appointed by the World Bank will assess the disputed hydropower projects. The expert is expected to determine their compliance with treaty requirements.
The assessment is scheduled to be completed by July 2027. It will examine whether the projects meet the conditions established under the agreement.
Pakistan welcomed the latest ruling from the court. Islamabad said the decision confirms that the treaty has not been terminated or suspended.
Pakistan also maintained that India remains bound by the agreement. The government views the ruling as confirmation of the treaty’s continued legal status.
India, however, has rejected the court’s decision. New Delhi maintains that it does not recognize the Court of Arbitration’s jurisdiction.
The Indian position has not changed following Monday’s ruling. The dispute therefore remains an important issue in relations between the two countries.
The Indus Water Treaty provides rules for managing the shared river system. Its continued operation is considered important for water management in the region.
The Ratle hydropower project remains one of the key issues under discussion. The court’s direction limits construction while the treaty-related assessment continues.
The upcoming expert review is expected to provide further findings on the disputed projects. Its conclusions could influence the next stage of the dispute.
The latest ruling has reinforced the treaty’s status under the arbitration process. It also places continued obligations on India under the agreement.
The decision comes at a sensitive time for India-Pakistan relations. Both countries continue to hold different positions over water and treaty implementation.
For Pakistan, the ruling provides support for its position on the agreement. India, meanwhile, continues to challenge the court’s authority in the matter.
In other related news also read Indus Waters Treaty Update: Pakistan Gains Key Procedural Victory
Further developments are expected after the neutral expert completes the assessment. The process could provide additional clarity on the disputed hydropower projects.
