The Permanent Court of Arbitration has ruled that the Indus Waters Treaty between Pakistan and India remains fully in force, rejecting India’s unilateral suspension of the agreement and reaffirming that New Delhi remains bound by its treaty obligations.
The unanimous ruling also ordered restrictions on construction work at a hydroelectric project in the Kashmir region until a final decision is reached.
The Hague-based court said India had no justification under the treaty or international law to suspend or terminate the Indus Waters Treaty. It ruled that India remains bound by all obligations under the agreement and cannot unilaterally set it aside.
The court noted that India did not present its position either in writing or orally during the proceedings. It therefore rejected India’s announcement of suspension as unjustified under the treaty and international law.
Construction work ordered to stop
The International Court of Arbitration directed that work on the dam of the hydroelectric project should be stopped until a final decision is issued.
The restriction will remain in place for 90 days after the expected final decision, according to the ruling. The court’s decision was issued unanimously.
Neutral expert to assess hydroelectric projects
The court also noted that a neutral expert appointed by the World Bank is expected to determine by July 2027 whether the construction of hydroelectric projects in the Himalayan region complies with the Indus Waters Treaty.
The ruling comes amid long-running disagreements between Pakistan and India over water-sharing and the construction of Indian hydroelectric projects in the Kashmir region.
The arbitration ruling reinforces the legal status of the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus River system between the two countries.
According to the court, the agreement remains in full force and effect, meaning India continues to be bound by its provisions despite its earlier decision to suspend the treaty.
