India Rejects International Court Decision on Indus Water Treaty, Dashes Pakistan's Hopes
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Pakistan has once again faced India's tough stand on the Indus Water Treaty. India has completely rejected the unilateral decision of the International Court of Arbitration regarding the hydroelectric projects being built by India on the western rivers. India has categorically said that this decision is not within the jurisdiction of the court and India has never recognized this arbitration.
In fact, Pakistan has been trumpeting its victory over a decision of the International Court of Justice for some time now. This alleged decision said that India should allow the water of the western rivers (Chenab, Jhelum and Indus) to flow to Pakistan without any hindrance. Pakistan was calling it a confirmation of its stand on the Indus Water Treaty (IWT).
But India has dashed Pakistan's happiness by making it clear that it never participated in the proceedings of this arbitration court and neither does it accept its decision. India believes that the process of 'neutral expert' under the treaty should be adopted to resolve this dispute, and not the arbitration court.
According to sources, India has reminded Pakistan that it has already issued a notice for amendment of the Indus Water Treaty due to long-standing disputes over the Kishanganga and Ratle projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
India had also never accepted the World Bank's decision to launch two parallel processes (Neutral Expert and Arbitration Court) on the same issue. In October 2022, the World Bank appointed both the processes simultaneously despite India's objection that it would be legally and practically challenging. India is seeking a reconsideration of the treaty's dispute resolution process due to this contradiction.
India has made its stand clear and said that unless Pakistan takes any concrete action on cross-border terrorism from its soil, the talks on the Indus Water Treaty cannot move forward. Since the Pulwama attack, India has suspended many provisions of the treaty. While on one hand Pakistan is pleading on the international platform to get the treaty fully implemented, India has increased pressure on Pakistan by linking development and security together. A detailed official response of the Indian government on this issue is expected soon.