International Arbitration Court Orders India to Comply with Indus Waters Treaty, Halt Hydropower Work
ISLAMABAD: An international arbitration court has ruled in Pakistan’s favor, rejecting India’s unilateral move to keep the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance and ordering New Delhi to comply with its obligations under the agreement.
According to reports, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, established under the framework of the United Nations Charter, issued an order concerning India’s suspension of the treaty and interim measures related to the Ratle Hydroelectric Project.
The Government of Pakistan had approached the court on March 4, 2026, challenging India’s actions. Pakistan had requested a review of certain design aspects of India’s run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects, particularly the Kishenganga and Ratle projects.
Both projects are also under consideration before a Neutral Expert appointed by the World Bank.
The arbitration court examined the possible grounds cited by India for suspending or terminating the Indus Waters Treaty. In its ruling, the court determined that none of the grounds presented by India justified the suspension or termination of the treaty.
The court declared that the Indus Waters Treaty remains fully in force and that India is required to fulfill its obligations under the agreement. It also directed India to comply with its responsibilities concerning the design and operation of hydroelectric projects on the western rivers.
At Pakistan’s request, the court also imposed interim measures on India.
Under the order, India has been barred from raising the Ratle Dam wall and water intake structure above specified levels. The court further ordered India to halt construction work on the Ratle project until 90 days after the Neutral Expert issues a final decision.
The court also imposed a reporting requirement concerning the construction schedule of the Ratle project.
However, two other interim measures requested by Pakistan were rejected by the arbitration court.
