The Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended by India, as the Hague Court ruled on Monday that the water-sharing agreement remains fully in force and that India must limit construction on a hydroelectric plant in the Kashmir region.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague stated that India had no justification for ending or suspending the treaty, which ensures water supply to 80% of Pakistani farms. The court ordered India to observe its obligations under the treaty, including those relating to the design and operation of its hydro-electric projects on the Western Rivers.
India had suspended the treaty in April last year amid bilateral tensions, and subsequently began work to boost reservoir capacity at two hydroelectric projects in Kashmir. Pakistan took legal action, arguing that these moves violated the treaty, which has been honored by both countries since 1960 despite three wars and multiple conflicts.
The court also ruled that a neutral expert appointed by the World Bank will determine by July 2027 whether India’s construction of hydroelectric plants in the Himalayan region aligns with the treaty. Additionally, India is barred from building the dam wall and power intake structure at the Ratle Hydro-Electric Plant above certain levels until 90 days after the neutral expert’s decision.
India, which is officially a member of the court, rejected the verdict, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that the court has no jurisdiction and that its pronouncements will have no effect on India’s actions. This development underscores the ongoing tensions over the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended by India, as the treaty remains a critical component of regional water sharing.
While India’s non-compliance poses challenges, the ruling reinforces that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended by India unilaterally. The court’s decision provides a legal framework for resolving disputes, and Pakistan has welcomed the clarity it brings.
As the neutral expert prepares to assess the projects, the focus remains on whether construction complies with the treaty’s stringent provisions. The Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended by India, and this ruling serves as a reminder of the treaty’s enduring relevance.
Source: ARY News