Pakistan’s attempt to internationalise the Indus waters issue has hit a roadblock after India firmly rejected the authority of an international arbitration body and refused to submit documents related to its hydropower projects.

Following India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty in response to Pakistan-backed terrorism, Islamabad approached an international court in The Hague, objecting to India’s hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Baglihar and Kishanganga projects. Hearings on the matter were scheduled for February 2–3.

During the proceedings, the court directed India to share operational data linked to these projects. However, India categorically declined, stating that it does not recognise the court’s jurisdiction. New Delhi made it clear that it has never accepted the authority of this arbitration mechanism and therefore considers all its directions null and void.

India calls Pakistan’s move invalid

India has argued that since the Indus Waters Treaty is currently suspended, any arbitration forum or court operating under the treaty automatically loses its legitimacy. As a result, no ruling or directive issued by such a body is binding on India.

This is not the first time India has taken such a stand. In 2025, when the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) claimed jurisdiction over disputes related to the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, India strongly objected. The Ministry of External Affairs had then stated that India does not legally recognise the existence or authority of that court.

Why India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty

India suspended the treaty after the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed. The attack was attributed to Pakistan-backed terrorists. Following the incident, India asserted that treaty obligations cannot continue amid ongoing cross-border terrorism.

The government has repeatedly stated that terrorism and dialogue cannot go together, and that international agreements will be reconsidered as long as Pakistan continues to support terror activities.

What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation, governs the sharing of river waters between India and Pakistan. Under the agreement, India has full rights over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, while Pakistan receives the majority of water from the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. India is allowed limited non-consumptive use of the western rivers, including hydroelectric power generation.