THE Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague has once again urged India to comply with the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in its dealings with Pakistan. In its recent proceedings, the Court directed India to submit operational data and “pondage logbooks” for the Baglihar and Kishanganga hydroelectric projects as part of the “Second Phase on the Merits.” Pakistan, for its part, has consistently maintained that it cannot and will not compromise on its water rights, as any stoppage of water flows would constitute an existential threat.In August 2025, the PCA issued a “Final Award” reaffirming that the IWT remains legally binding on both parties and that India must adhere to strict design parameters for its run-of-river projects on the western rivers. Earlier, in June 2025, the Court ruled that India could not unilaterally suspend or hold the Treaty “in abeyance.” Despite these rulings, India has rejected the Court’s authority, calling it “illegally constituted” and asserting that the Treaty is on hold due to its security concerns. Such a position lacks legal foundation and undermines established mechanisms of international dispute resolution.

Signed in 1960 after nearly a decade of negotiations, the Indus Waters Treaty was brokered with the support of the World Bank. It is widely........

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