India's Rejection of Court of Arbitration on Hydropower Projects
India has firmly rejected the Court of Arbitration's "supplemental award" concerning the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, asserting that it has never recognized the Court's legitimacy.
Background
- Projects Involved: Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Issues Raised: Pakistan objected to the design of these projects and approached the World Bank in 2016 to establish a Court of Arbitration.
- Pakistan's Concerns: Three issues concerning Kishenganga and four regarding the Ratle project were taken to the Court.
India's Stance
- India considers the Court of Arbitration's constitution a "serious breach" of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has consistently viewed the Court as a "unilateral action" by Pakistan.
- Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India has placed the Indus Waters Treaty in "abeyance."
Statements by MEA
- The MEA stated that India is exercising its rights as a sovereign nation under international law.
- The Court of Arbitration is described as a "charade at Pakistan's behest."
- India is not bound by the Treaty while it is in abeyance and dismisses the Court's jurisdiction over its actions.
The situation illustrates ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan regarding water resource management and broader geopolitical issues.
