On Monday, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has ruled that the Indus Waters Treaty between Pakistan and India remains fully in force. The court rejected India’s position that it could unilaterally suspend the 1960 agreement. It said India must continue following its obligations under the treaty.
The decision means India remains bound by the treaty’s rules for the Western Rivers, including the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab. These rules also cover the design and operation of India’s hydropower projects on these rivers, where India has limited rights to build run-of-river projects.
The court also ordered temporary restrictions on certain construction work at India’s Ratle Hydroelectric Plant. Work on parts of the dam wall and intake structure will remain limited while a neutral expert reviews the project. The expert’s decision is expected by July 2027.
India has rejected the ruling, saying the Court of Arbitration has no jurisdiction over its sovereign decisions. New Delhi maintains that its decision to keep the treaty in abeyance remains valid.
The ruling marks a significant development in the long-running water dispute between Pakistan and India.
