India Rejects Court of Arbitration's Award on Indus Waters Treaty
India has rejected an award issued by the Court of Arbitration (CoA) at The Hague concerning maximum pondage at Indian hydroelectric projects on the Indus river system, reiterating that it does not recognize the tribunal as legitimately constituted. The External Affairs Ministry stated that any decision by the "illegally constituted CoA" is "null and void." India's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains in force. The CoA, constituted in January 2023 at Pakistan's request, challenged India's Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. India refused to participate, arguing technical questions fall under a Neutral Expert.
Key Points
- India has rejected the Court of Arbitration's (CoA) award regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, citing the tribunal's illegitimate constitution.
- The award pertained to maximum pondage at Indian hydroelectric projects on the Indus river system.
- India maintains its stance that any decision by this CoA is "null and void" and its decision to hold the IWT in abeyance remains.
- The CoA was formed in January 2023 at Pakistan's behest to challenge India's Kishenganga and Ratle projects.
- India argues that technical questions should be addressed by a Neutral Expert, not the CoA.
Exam Facts
- The Court of Arbitration (CoA) was constituted in January 2023.
- The award concerned maximum pondage at India's Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects.
- India placed the IWT in abeyance in April 2025.
- The CoA ruled in Pakistan's favour in its August 2025 Award on Issues of General Interpretation.
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