New Delhi, June 5: India has reiterated its stance on the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), stating that the agreement will remain suspended until Pakistan effectively and reliably halts cross-border terrorism.
This response from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) follows Pakistan’s objections to India’s plans regarding the Chenab-Beas link tunnel project and sediment removal from the Salal dam reservoir. Pakistan has accused India of attempting to use water as a “weapon.”
During a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have suspended the Indus Water Treaty, and it will remain suspended until Pakistan completely eliminates cross-border terrorism.”
When asked about Pakistan’s comments regarding the visit of the Swiss ambassador to Jammu and Kashmir, Jaiswal emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and the Swiss ambassador or any other foreign diplomat is free to visit the region.
Last month, India dismissed the so-called arbitration court’s ruling established under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, labeling it “null and void.”
The MEA clarified that on May 15, 2026, the illegitimately formed arbitration court issued a ruling related to the interpretation of the Indus Water Treaty and maximum water storage capacity, which India completely rejects.
The Ministry made it clear that India has never recognized the formation of this so-called tribunal. Therefore, any proceedings, decisions, or orders from it are not legally valid in India’s view.
It is noteworthy that the Indus Water Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960. The treaty pertains to the utilization of water from the rivers of the Indus river system.
Following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam last year, India decided to suspend the treaty by exercising its sovereign rights under international law. India asserts that the treaty will not be reinstated until Pakistan reliably and permanently ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.
The MEA previously stated that during the suspension period, India is not obligated to fulfill its commitments under the treaty. Furthermore, no arbitration court, especially one deemed illegal by India, has the authority to review the validity of India’s sovereign decisions.
India has previously rejected decisions made by the so-called arbitration court concerning the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects located in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that the entire mechanism violates the Indus Water Treaty.
India accuses Pakistan of misusing international platforms to evade accountability, asserting that this so-called arbitration process is part of that strategy.
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