In a significant move, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has categorically dismissed an arbitration award concerning the maximum pondage at Indian hydroelectric projects on the Indus river system, deeming it as ‘null and void.’ This announcement comes in the context of ongoing tensions regarding water-sharing agreements between India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pondage, which refers to the water stored behind a dam in a hydroelectric plant, plays a crucial role in managing the river’s water supply and addressing its natural fluctuations. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized, “India firmly rejects this so-called award, just as it has consistently opposed previous statements from the ‘illegally constituted Court of Arbitration.'” He further stated, “India has never recognized the legitimacy of this Court, and consequently, any rulings or decisions issued by it hold no validity for us.”
The Indus Waters Treaty, established in 1960, governs water distribution from the Indus river system between India and Pakistan. In light of heightened security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, India had previously announced that it would refrain from further obligations under the treaty. The Ministry reiterated that this decision remains in effect, reinforcing India’s stance amidst complex geopolitical tensions.
Despite the absence of an official statement on the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s website regarding the recent ruling, a press release from May 11 indicates that a three-day hearing was held to address Pakistan’s request for interim measures concerning the dispute. This has raised questions about the future of the treaty and the management of shared river resources.
The ongoing disputes over water rights and usage highlight the enduring complexities in the India-Pakistan relationship, particularly in the context of shared resources. Experts believe that proactive dialogue and mutual understanding are essential to prevent further escalation of tensions, especially in light of the critical importance of water as a resource in the region.
