India on Monday rejected an award issued by the “illegally constituted” Court of Arbitration on the Indus Waters Treaty, saying the 1960 treaty remains in abeyance.
India on Monday rejected an award issued by the “so-called” Court of Arbitration (CoA) concerning interim measures and the status of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling the tribunal “illegally constituted” and asserting that its ruling has no bearing on India’s sovereign decisions.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Court of Arbitration was constituted by the World Bank in “patent breach” of the terms of the 1960 treaty with Pakistan.
India, the ministry said, has never recognised the legal existence of the arbitration body and has consistently rejected its proceedings and earlier pronouncements.
“India categorically rejects its so-called award, just as it has firmly rejected all prior pronouncements by this illegally constituted body,” the MEA said.
India refuses to recognise tribunal’s authority
The MEA said India has never appeared before the Court of Arbitration and has refused to take cognisance of its earlier pronouncements.
New Delhi also rejected the tribunal’s authority to rule on India’s sovereign decisions, stressing that any such pronouncements would not affect projects being undertaken by India.
“This so-called Court of Arbitration has no jurisdiction whatsoever to pronounce on India’s sovereign decisions,” the ministry said.
It added that the tribunal’s pronouncements, “now or in the future”, will have no effect on India’s actions concerning projects being undertaken by the country.
More from WorldWhat did the Court of Arbitration say?
The Court of Arbitration said that none of the grounds cited could justify the suspension or termination of the Indus Waters Treaty and held that India must continue to observe its obligations under the pact.
The tribunal also said India must comply with provisions governing the design and operation of its hydroelectric projects on the Western Rivers.
It further ordered interim measures concerning the Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project (RHEP), including restrictions on concreting parts of the dam wall and power intake structure above specified levels until 90 days after the Neutral Expert issues a final decision.
The tribunal also imposed a reporting requirement concerning the RHEP construction schedule, which will remain in place until shortly after the Neutral Expert’s final decision.
India says treaty remains in abeyance
After the tribunal’s ruling, India reiterated that its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty remains unchanged.
“India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains in force,” the MEA said.