Hague Tribunal Orders India to Uphold Water Treaty; India Rejects Ruling
The Story
An international tribunal on Monday ordered India to observe its obligations under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, which the New Delhi government had sought to suspend. The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague also issued an order prohibiting India from carrying out works at two hydro-electric projects. The tribunal stated that the Indus Waters Treaty remains fully in force. Pakistan welcomed the decision from the international arbitration panel. Hours after the ruling, India rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration's order. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the very establishment of this alleged arbitral body was questioned by India. The MEA called the body illegally constituted and asserted that it has no jurisdiction over India's sovereign decisions. India's decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains in force, according to the MEA. India had suspended the treaty in April last year amid bilateral tensions. The court's order specifically addresses India's construction of hydroelectric projects on the Indus and associated rivers, requiring them to conform to the treaty.
The Spread
What they agree on
- An international tribunal in The Hague issued an order on Monday regarding the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan.
- The tribunal ordered India to uphold its obligations under the treaty and stated that the treaty remains "fully in force."
- The order specifically prohibited India from continuing work on two hydro-electric projects.
- India rejected the tribunal's order, asserting that the Permanent Court of Arbitration has "no jurisdiction."
- India's Ministry of External Affairs described the arbitral body as "illegally constituted."
Where they split
- Some international sources, such as Punch Nigeria and Pakistan Today, lead with the tribunal's order for India to uphold the treaty.
- Other outlets, including Greater Kashmir and The Hindu, immediately highlight India's rejection of the order and its claims of "no jurisdiction."
- Indian outlets like India TV News and Zee News emphasize India's characterization of the Court of Arbitration as "illegally constituted" or lacking jurisdiction.
- Reuters and ARY News (English) specifically mention India's suspension of the treaty in April last year as background to the current developments.