India rejects Hague tribunal award on Indus Waters Treaty, calls it illegal
India has categorically rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration's award on the Indus Waters Treaty, calling the tribunal's establishment a grave violation of the treaty.
New Delhi has firmly rejected the recent award issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague concerning the Indus Waters Treaty, asserting that the tribunal itself was illegally constituted.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the so-called court was set up by the World Bank in patent breach of the treaty's terms. India has never recognised the existence in law of this body and has consistently maintained that its very establishment constitutes a grave violation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
"India categorically rejects its so-called award," the MEA said, adding that the court has no jurisdiction whatsoever to pronounce on India's sovereign decisions. The ministry further stated that the tribunal's pronouncements, now or in the future, will have no effect on India's actions in connection with its projects.
India's decision to hold the treaty in abeyance, taken following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, remains in force, the MEA reiterated. India has never appeared before the arbitral body and has refused to take cognisance of its earlier pronouncements.
The Hague tribunal, which was examining Pakistan's plea, had earlier ruled that the treaty remains fully in force and that India must observe its obligations, including those relating to the design and operation of its hydro-electric projects on the Western Rivers. It also imposed interim measures prohibiting India from concreting the Ratle Hydro-Electric Plant dam wall and power intake structure above certain levels until 90 days after the Neutral Expert's final decision, expected in July 2027.
The tribunal is chaired by Prof. Sean D. Murphy of the United States and includes members from Belgium, the United States, Jordan, and Australia.