India has officially rejected the verdict issued by the Court of Arbitration based in The Hague regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). New Delhi does not recognize the tribunal’s legitimacy and considers its rulings legally invalid.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that India will continue to hold the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, outlines how the waters of the Indus River system are shared between India and Pakistan.
As per information available with TahirRihat.com, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed media queries regarding the Court of Arbitration’s recent pronouncement on May 15. The court’s statement concerned the interpretation of the treaty and “maximum pondage.”
Jaiswal stated that India firmly rejects the recent award and all prior pronouncements from what it considers an illegally formed Court of Arbitration. He further asserted that India has never recognized the establishment of the court, deeming any proceedings, awards, or decisions issued by it as null and void.
Tensions between India and Pakistan remain elevated following the terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025. In the aftermath of that attack, India announced it would hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance.
Under the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan has rights over the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—while India controls the eastern rivers, which are the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. The treaty effectively grants Pakistan access to roughly 80 percent of the Indus River system’s waters, while India retains approximately 20 percent. India also has limited usage rights on the western rivers for irrigation, power generation, and other non-consumptive purposes.
India’s decision to keep the treaty in abeyance reflects its stance on cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Just recently, Jaiswal asserted that the Indus Waters Treaty would remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible steps to end its support for cross-border terrorism. Jaiswal stated that New Delhi believes talks and terror cannot coexist.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, has been a critical framework for managing water resources between the two nations, surviving multiple conflicts. India’s recent move to suspend the treaty underscores the impact of ongoing security concerns on bilateral agreements. The implications of holding the treaty in abeyance could be significant, potentially affecting water resource management and agricultural practices in both countries.
The current situation highlights the complex interplay between water rights, national security, and diplomatic relations. The future of the treaty remains uncertain as long as tensions persist and cross-border terrorism remains a point of contention between India and Pakistan. The international community, including the World Bank, is closely monitoring the developments, recognizing the importance of the Indus Waters Treaty for regional stability.
Sources indicate that the abeyance of the treaty could lead to further discussions and negotiations aimed at addressing India’s concerns regarding terrorism while ensuring the equitable distribution of water resources. However, the path forward remains challenging, requiring significant diplomatic efforts and a commitment from both sides to de-escalate tensions.
The long-term consequences of the treaty’s suspension could have far-reaching effects on the agricultural sector, water availability, and overall economic stability in the region. Experts suggest that a cooperative approach, emphasizing dialogue and mutual respect, is essential to resolving the current impasse and ensuring the sustainable management of the Indus River system.
India’s firm stance reflects its broader policy of linking bilateral relations with Pakistan to the cessation of cross-border terrorism. The Indus Waters Treaty, once considered a symbol of cooperation, has now become entangled in the larger geopolitical dynamics between the two countries.
The recent developments underscore the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both security concerns and water resource management. The future of the Indus Waters Treaty hinges on the ability of India and Pakistan to find common ground and work towards a mutually acceptable solution.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.