India Dismisses Arbitration Award on Indus Waters Treaty as Invalid

In a significant development regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has formally rejected an arbitration award concerning the management of water at Indian hydroelectric projects along the Indus river system. The ministry described the award as “null and void,” reiterating India’s longstanding stance against the jurisdiction of the Court of Arbitration (CoA) that issued the ruling.

The issue of pondage, which refers to the accumulation of water behind dams at hydroelectric facilities, has emerged as a contentious point in the ongoing discussions surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty. According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, India maintains that it has never recognized the legitimacy of the CoA, deeming any actions or decisions taken by this body as inherently invalid.

India’s rejection of the award aligns with its earlier decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold, a move that was prompted by security concerns following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025. The Indian government has underscored its commitment to safeguarding its water resources while ensuring national security, emphasizing that the interests of its citizens will always take precedence.

While the Permanent Court of Arbitration has not released an official statement regarding the recent award, earlier communications suggested that hearings were held to address Pakistan’s requests for interim measures related to the management of water resources. These developments amplify existing tensions surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty, which has often been a focal point of bilateral relations between India and Pakistan.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs the sharing of river waters between the two nations, but its implementation has faced numerous challenges over the years, particularly amid geopolitical tensions. As both countries navigate these complexities, India’s firm stance against the arbitration award signifies a resolve to maintain control over its water management strategies.

Source: scroll.in