India Rejects Court of Arbitration Award on Indus Waters Treaty

On 16th May 2026, India rejected a reported award issued by the Court of Arbitration (CoA) at The Hague regarding maximum pondage allowed at Indian hydroelectric projects on the Indus river system.

  • India reiterated that it does not recognise the tribunal as legally constituted and termed its proceedings “null and void”.

What is the Current Dispute?

  • Pakistan challenged design features of:
    • Kishenganga Hydroelectric Project.
    • Ratle Hydroelectric Project.
  • Key Issue: Maximum pondage allowed in run-of-river hydroelectric projects.
  • Pondage: Temporary water storage in hydropower projects used for regulating water flow and optimising electricity generation.

India’s Position

  • India refused participation in the proceedings.
  • Argued that technical disputes should be ....
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