Big Win for India Against Pakistan: Expert Upholds New Delhi’s Stand on Indus Water Treaty Dispute – Major Setback for Pakistan
India celebrates a big win against Pakistan as a Neutral Expert upholds New Delhi’s stand on the Indus Water Treaty. The decision affirms India’s competence in resolving water-sharing disputes, rejecting Pakistan’s objections and Court of Arbitration.

In a significant win for India in the ongoing dispute with Pakistan over the Indus Water Treaty, a Neutral Expert has supported New Delhi’s stand, delivering a major setback to Pakistan’s claims. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has welcomed this decision, confirming that it aligns with India’s consistent position under the treaty.
India had always maintained that only a Neutral Expert, as outlined in the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, has the authority to resolve differences related to water sharing. The MEA released a statement saying, “India welcomes the decision by the Neutral Expert under Paragraph 7 of Annexure F to the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960. This decision upholds India’s position that all seven questions referred to the Neutral Expert are within his competence under the treaty.”
The dispute centered around the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, with India’s position being affirmed by the Neutral Expert. The decision indicates that these issues fall under the treaty’s provisions and the Neutral Expert’s competence. Moving forward, the Neutral Expert will proceed with the next phase, which will culminate in a final ruling on the merits of each of the seven differences.
The MEA also emphasized India’s commitment to preserving the sanctity of the treaty and resolving differences within its framework. India continues to refuse participation in the Court of Arbitration, deeming the proceedings as illegally constituted. The statement clarified that India and Pakistan remain engaged on reviewing and modifying the Indus Waters Treaty as per Article XII (3).