Swift Summary:
- India has declared the Pakistan-backed Court of Arbitration under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty as illegal and invalid.
- According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this court lacks jurisdiction over disputes regarding the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
- MEA stated that the formation of this arbitration court violates provisions of the Indus Water Treaty.
- India views any rulings or proceedings from this arbitration court as null and void, considering its existence unlawful under international treaty norms.
- Following a terror attack in Pahalgam, India suspended obligations under the treaty until Pakistan stops cross-border terrorism activities.
- MEA accused Pakistan of exploiting international platforms for manipulation and described Islamabad’s legal maneuvers as an attempt to evade accountability for supporting terrorism.
Indian Opinion Analysis:
India’s firm stance against Pakistan-backed arbitration highlights ongoing tension surrounding bilateral water-sharing agreements. By dismissing the Court of arbitration’s authority,India reinforces its position on safeguarding sovereignty over critical water infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir,while also underscoring concerns about border security linked to terrorism. This reflects broader trends where geopolitical considerations intersect with environmental treaties. The suspension of treaty obligations until terror activities cease indicates India’s alignment between national policy priorities and strategic use of international agreements. For both nations, adherence to enduring conflict-resolution mechanisms will be essential moving forward.
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