In a major diplomatic development, Pakistan has strongly urged India to resume Indus Waters Treaty obligations immediately, following a decisive ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).
The international court reaffirmed its jurisdiction over the ongoing water dispute between the two countries, dismissing India’s attempt to suspend the decades-old treaty.
The supplemental award, announced on June 27, 2025, came as a response to India’s controversial and unilateral decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) “in abeyance” since May. This move followed a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in April, which claimed 26 lives. India accused Pakistan of involvement, a charge Islamabad has firmly denied.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the PCA’s decision “vindicates Pakistan’s position that the treaty remains fully valid and operational,” and that India has no authority to suspend it unilaterally. “The court has clearly stated that it retains competence and responsibility to continue proceedings in a timely and fair manner,” the FO said.
Signed in 1960 and mediated by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty has been a vital framework governing the distribution and use of rivers flowing from India into Pakistan. The pact outlines a structured dispute resolution mechanism, which India attempted to bypass by halting cooperation earlier this year.
The arbitration process formally began in August 2016, when Pakistan initiated proceedings under Article IX of the treaty, raising concerns over India’s Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. The recent ruling reaffirms the court’s authority and paves the way for future decisions on the merits of Pakistan’s claims.
Tensions reached a boiling point last month when fighting broke out between the nuclear-armed neighbours — the worst in decades — before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was established. The war further strained already fragile ties and highlighted the urgent need to resume Indus Waters Treaty mechanisms and rebuild diplomatic dialogue.
Pakistan welcomed the ruling as a crucial step towards restoring justice and accountability. “We look forward to the court’s upcoming decision on the first phase of the case,” the government said, referring to hearings held in July 2024 at The Hague’s Peace Palace.
The government emphasized that “the highest priority now is for India and Pakistan to return to meaningful dialogue, including the fair implementation of the treaty.” The resumption of Indus Waters Treaty provisions is seen as essential not only for regional water security but also for long-term peace between the two nations.
