Pak pleads for dialogue after India stands firm on suspending Indus Water Treaty

Pakistan has called for diplomatic dialogue following India's firm stance on suspending the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). According to the Pakistani foreign office spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, the Permanent Court of Arbitration has reaffirmed the treaty's enforceability and binding nature. Pakistan remains committed to upholding the treaty as per its full legal provisions. The country is urging India to reciprocate and uphold the treaty in letter and spirit, according to PTI.

In contrast, India has consistently rejected the tribunal's jurisdiction, categorically stating that its decision to place the IWT in abeyance remains in effect. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the Court of Arbitration's so-called award, issued on May 15, 2026, is invalid as it was established by the World Bank in violation of the treaty's terms.

India maintains that the creation of the arbitral body itself contravenes the IWT and has no jurisdiction over India's sovereign decision to suspend the treaty.

The dispute also emerged during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, where India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged action against countries that use terrorism as an instrument of state policy. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, meanwhile, described water as the "lifeblood" of the region and reiterated the importance of honoring the treaties governing shared waters unconditionally. He emphasized that the IWT is a solemn, binding international commitment that must not be weaponized.