India slaps Pakistan on its drama, overturns the opinion of ‘Court of Arbitration’ on Indus Water Treaty

Pakistan has once again shown its ‘status’. The country that spreads terrorism is making false stories against India on international forums. This time it has created a new drama in the name of Indus Water Treaty. But India has given a blunt answer to this. The Ministry of External Affairs has rejected the opinion of the Court of Arbitration by declaring it illegal, invalid and void. In fact, the alleged ‘Court of Arbitration’ has issued a ‘Supplemental Award’ on Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. These are the same two projects on which Pakistan has been objecting for many years, although every time its arguments have been rejected technically and legally. Now once again Pakistan has repeated its drama and has sought opinion from that court, which according to India has no legal existence.

What did India say clearly?

In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of India, it was said that this ‘Court of Arbitration’ has been constituted illegally and its very existence is a violation of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960. India has never recognized this court nor has it accepted any of its decisions. After the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India has decided to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, which is the right of a sovereign nation under international law. Until Pakistan credibly and irreversibly ends cross-border terrorism, India will not assume any obligations related to this treaty. No court, especially this illegal forum, is entitled to review India’s sovereign rights.

Pakistan’s false agenda

India exposed Pakistan and said that it resorts to such false and misleading actions to divert attention from the tag of ‘terrorism hub’ on it. Drama like the Court of Arbitration is part of the same strategy in which Pakistan tries to show itself as a victim and innocent.

This is not the first time that Pakistan has tried to misuse an international platform. Earlier also, from FATF to ICJ, it tried to mislead the world. But every time it has only faced embarrassment.

What is the Indus Water Treaty?

The Indus Water Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 under the mediation of the World Bank. Under this, India got the water of three eastern rivers (Ravi, Sutlej, Beas) and Pakistan got the water of three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). India had the right to limited use of the western rivers like irrigation, hydropower etc.

Now India is using this treaty as a ‘strategic lever’ against terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already said that ‘blood and water cannot flow together’. That is, until Pakistan does not stop shedding blood (terrorism), why should India bear the responsibility of shedding water (Indus Treaty)?

India is now making a strategy to use the water resources of the three western rivers in its own interest. Many steps like small and big dams, water storage, hydropower projects are being taken forward rapidly. Medium and long term plans are being finalized so that Pakistan’s ‘politics on water’ can be answered permanently.