The Hague: The Court of Arbitration at The Hague has determined that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) remains fully operational, dismissing India’s recent attempts to hold the treaty in suspension. The court’s unanimous decision reaffirms that India cannot unilaterally pause or terminate the treaty and must adhere to its commitments, particularly those concerning the development of hydroelectric projects on the Western Rivers.

According to Radio Pakistan, the decision also includes specific interim measures regarding India’s Ratle Hydroelectric Plant. The court has prohibited the concreting of the dam wall and power intake structure beyond specified levels until ninety days post the Neutral Expert’s final decision, anticipated in July 2027. Additionally, the court has mandated a reporting requirement concerning the construction schedule of the Ratle project until shortly after the Neutral Expert’s conclusive ruling.

The ruling underscores the binding nature of international agreements and highlights the court’s role in mediating disputes over transboundary water resources. The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has long been a critical framework for water sharing between India and Pakistan, despite the nations’ historical tensions. The court’s directive ensures that the treaty’s mechanisms remain in place, providing a continued avenue for conflict resolution regarding shared water resources.