India rejects Indus Waters ruling, says treaty still on hold; ‘illegal’ court cannot dictate its actions

In a major step, India has refused to accept an arbitration ruling linked to the Indus Waters Treaty, arguing that the tribunal set up under the World Bank’s process lacked legitimacy. India says it has consistently opposed the panel’s earlier decisions and has never acknowledged its legal authority. As a result, New Delhi maintains that its decision to keep the treaty in abeyance continues.

India has turned down an award delivered by the so-called Court of Arbitration on interim measures and the status of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing the body as “illegally constituted”, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The Court of Arbitration issued the award on Monday.

The MEA said the body was created by the World Bank in breach of provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, and reiterated that India does not recognise the Court of Arbitration as having any legal standing.

“India categorically rejects its so-called award, just as it has firmly rejected all prior pronouncements by this illegally constituted body,” the MEA said.

The ministry added that India has long argued the very formation of the Court of Arbitration violates the treaty. It said India has never appeared before the panel and has declined to take note of its earlier pronouncements.

The MEA also said the Court of Arbitration has no authority to rule on India’s sovereign decisions.

“This so-called Court of Arbitration has no jurisdiction whatsoever to pronounce on India’s sovereign decisions,” the ministry said.

According to the MEA, the tribunal’s statements—its latest award as well as any future decisions—will not influence India’s actions regarding projects being pursued by the country.

The ministry again stated that India’s decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains unchanged.

“India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains in force,” the MEA said.

Pakistan backs arbitration order

Pakistan has welcomed the Hague Court of Arbitration’s order, saying it instructs India to halt work on hydropower projects and adhere to the Indus Waters Treaty.

The Pakistani government said it would review the order’s details and evaluate how it might help open a route back to engagement under the treaty.

India, for its part, has continued to insist that the so-called Court of Arbitration has no jurisdiction and that its pronouncements cannot affect India’s sovereign actions.