Uganda: The Honorable Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, voiced criticism regarding India’s approach to international arbitration during a session organized by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

At the session, a representative from India announced plans to establish a PCA country office in New Delhi. The representative also affirmed India’s commitment to international law principles and decisions made by international bodies, including the PCA. The representative further mentioned the ongoing issue of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which is currently under consideration by the PCA.

In response, Minister Malik pointed out what he described as India’s contradictory behavior. He noted that while India claims to uphold international law at global forums, its actions suggest otherwise, particularly concerning the IWT. He accused India of disregarding arbitral principles and ignoring binding observations by international organizations such as the PCA.

Minister Malik emphasized this inconsistency, questioning India’s intent to establish a PCA office in New Delhi while allegedly violating international legal and arbitral norms.