Court of Arbitration rules India cannot unilaterally suspend Indus Waters Treaty, dealing New Delhi a major legal setback

Profit by Pakistan Today reported that on Monday the Court of Arbitration held that the Indus Waters Treaty stays fully effective and that India has no right to suspend or end it alone. The unanimous award concluded that India's move in April 2025 to keep the 1960 accord in abeyance was not allowed under the treaty or international law. As a result, India remains bound by its treaty duties on the western rivers that feed Pakistan.

The dispute involves Indian hydro projects on the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab systems, which together form the western rivers. India announced on 23 April 2025, after an attack in Jammu and Kashmir, that the pact would be placed in abeyance. The tribunal rejected India's justifications: alleged terrorism was not a material breach, and cited changes did not meet the bar for a fundamental change in circumstances.

A second unanimous decision placed interim limits on India's Ratle hydro project, barring concreting of the dam wall and intake works above set levels until a neutral expert rules on compliance. India must also notify the court, the expert and Pakistan of any revisions to the Ratle timetable. These limits run until 90 days after the expert's decision, which is expected around 16 July 2027. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the award, while India's foreign ministry said the court lacks jurisdiction.