Pakistan has acknowledged the recent decision by the Court of Arbitration concerning its case against India under the Indus Water Treaty. The Foreign Office stated that the ruling provides important clarification on several aspects of the Court’s earlier award issued on August 8, 2025, regarding the treaty’s overall interpretation.
In its statement, the Foreign Office also noted the procedural orders issued alongside the Court’s decision. These orders confirm that the arbitration will proceed in phases and will consider the ongoing proceedings before the Neutral Expert, as outlined under Article 9 and Annex F of the Indus Water Treaty.
The Neutral Expert proceedings were launched at India’s request, with the next phase scheduled to take place in Vienna from November 17 to 21, 2025. However, India has since stopped taking part in these hearings. Despite this, Pakistan continues to participate in good faith, reaffirming its commitment to the treaty’s legal framework.
According to the Foreign Office, the Neutral Expert has clarified that India’s non-participation will not affect the continuation of the process. The statement emphasized that the proceedings will move forward as planned, ensuring that treaty obligations are upheld.
The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, governs the distribution and usage of rivers shared by both countries. The accord ensures Pakistan’s access to three major rivers that originate in India. Tensions have grown in recent years as India has expressed its intention to review or limit the treaty’s application.
In June 2025, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah stated that India would not restore the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and that the water flowing to Pakistan would instead be diverted for domestic use. India had earlier suspended its participation in the treaty following a deadly incident in Indian-Occupied Kashmir.
Pakistan continues to deny any link to the attack and has called for adherence to international agreements. Both countries, despite ongoing tensions, remain under a ceasefire arrangement reached in May 2025.
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