Court Dismisses India’s Objections in Indus Waters Dispute; Pakistan Welcomes Ruling, Urges Dialogue
In a significant development in the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty dispute, the Court of Arbitration has issued a Supplemental Award rejecting India’s attempts to halt the arbitration process, reaffirming the Court’s full authority to adjudicate the matter. The ruling marks a decisive moment in the treaty’s implementation and is seen as a major diplomatic win for Pakistan.
The Court, in a unanimous and binding decision, dismissed all of India’s objections, affirming that neither India nor Pakistan can unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty or prevent the Court and the appointed Neutral Expert from fulfilling their roles under the agreement. India had previously declared the treaty to be in “abeyance” and sought to stall arbitration by appointing a neutral expert independently—moves that the Court firmly rejected.
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“The treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally, and any such action cannot deprive the Court or the Neutral Expert of their roles,” Pakistan said in response to the verdict. The Court reaffirmed that its authority remains intact and that it will continue its proceedings irrespective of India’s position.
The arbitration proceedings originated from a request by Pakistan in 2016, objecting to India’s construction of reservoirs on the western rivers—an act Islamabad claims violates the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan has consistently maintained that these constructions pose a threat to its water security and contravene the treaty’s stipulations.
The recent ruling further cements the legal standing of the dispute resolution mechanisms enshrined in the treaty, confirming that such mechanisms cannot be bypassed or obstructed by either party. The Court emphasized that its mandate remains effective and that it will carry out its responsibilities in a fair, timely, and independent manner.
Welcoming the ruling, Pakistan reiterated its position that the Indus Waters Treaty remains valid and binding unless both nations jointly decide otherwise. Islamabad expressed hope that the verdict would serve as a foundation for renewed dialogue between the two countries.
“The high priority now is for Pakistan and India to return to meaningful engagement, including on the application of the Indus Waters Treaty,” said the official statement issued after the Court’s decision.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also weighed in, reiterating Pakistan’s willingness to engage India in constructive dialogue on all major bilateral issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, water rights, trade, and counter-terrorism. Speaking on June 24, the Prime Minister said Pakistan remains committed to peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation, provided that dialogue is pursued on the basis of mutual respect and sovereign equality.
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