India rejects an arbitration award connected to the Indus Waters Treaty, saying the tribunal that issued it is “illegally constituted” and has no jurisdiction over India’s sovereign decisions. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) says the award concerns interim measures and the tribunal’s view of the treaty’s status.
India argues that the court was constituted by the World Bank in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty terms. It also says it does not recognize the court’s existence in law, has not appeared before it, and does not take cognisance of its earlier pronouncements. The MEA states that pronouncements by the tribunal, including this latest award and any future decisions, have no effect on India’s actions related to projects.
The two reports largely align on India’s stance and rationale. Both describe India dismissing the ruling as unlawful and reiterate that India’s decision to keep the treaty in abeyance remains in force. While one report emphasizes the court’s alleged lack of legal constitution, the other highlights the tribunal’s asserted authority over sovereign matters and frames the rejection as consistent with earlier positions.
