The Ministry of External Affairs said India does not recognise the Hague-based arbitration body’s ruling on the Indus Waters Treaty.
May 17, 2026: India has firmly rejected the latest ruling issued by the Hague-based so-called Court of Arbitration over the Indus Waters Treaty, calling the tribunal “illegally constituted” and without any legal authority. Responding to media queries, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said New Delhi does not recognise any proceedings, rulings or decisions initiated by the arbitration body.
According to the government, the tribunal delivered a “purported decision” on May 15, 2026, related to the Maximum Pondage issue under the treaty framework. India reiterated that it has consistently rejected the tribunal’s jurisdiction and considers all actions taken by it legally void and without consequence. The MEA also stated that India’s suspension of the treaty, announced after the Pahalgam terror attack last year, remains unchanged until Pakistan takes irreversible steps against cross-border terrorism.
The dispute has largely centred around the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project and Ratle Hydroelectric Project projects. India accused Pakistan of misusing international forums and attempting to divert global attention from terrorism-related concerns. New Delhi further asserted that no external arbitration mechanism can challenge decisions taken under India’s sovereign authority.