Hague arbitration panel says India must honor water-sharing treaty with Pakistan

The Hague arbitration panel ruled that India must adhere to a water-sharing treaty with Pakistan, despite New Delhi's desire to suspend it. Pakistan celebrated the decision, while India refused to accept it. The panel barred India from building beyond designated levels at a hydroelectric plant in Kashmir. This restriction will continue until 90 days after a neutral expert decides if the project complies with the Indus Waters Treaty, with the expert's decision expected in July 2027.

The ruling is considered a significant victory for Pakistan. Pakistan's government stated that the findings confirm India's treaty obligations and justify temporary restrictions on the Ratle dam project. India's Ministry of External Affairs branded the panel as "illegally constituted" and refused to recognize its authority. The ministry maintains that the tribunal's establishment contravenes the treaty and that New Delhi's decision to suspend the agreement remains valid.

The Court of Arbitration concluded that the 1960 treaty is legally binding and does not permit either nation to unilaterally suspend or terminate it. For this reason, India must continue fulfilling its treaty obligations, including limitations on hydroelectric project designs and operations on rivers that feed into Pakistan.