Political and international relations experts argue that India has no grounds to suspend Indus Water Treaty after the International Court of Arbitration's clear ruling in favor of the treaty.
Experts have strongly criticized India for its continued stance on suspending the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) following a recent ruling by the International Court of Arbitration (ICA) at The Hague.
The IWT, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, is a crucial agreement governing the distribution of water from the Indus River basin. The recent ruling by the Hague-based court has been seen as a significant development in the ongoing dispute over water sharing between the two countries. However, India has maintained its position on suspending certain clauses of the treaty, citing security concerns and other reasons.
Dr. Ayesha Jafri, an expert in international relations at the University of Karachi, the ICA’s ruling is binding and should be respected by both parties. "The court's decision is clear and unequivocal," she said. "India now has no justification to hold back on its obligations under the treaty."
Similarly, Professor Zafar Khan from the School of Law at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) emphasized that the IWT’s provisions must be upheld in their entirety. He noted, "The Hague court's ruling is a landmark decision and should be seen as a step towards resolving long-standing disputes through legal means rather than political maneuvering."
Critics argue that India's actions are not only contrary to international law but also detrimental to regional stability. They warn that continued non-compliance could lead to further tensions between the two countries, potentially jeopardizing the fragile peace in South Asia.
The experts' stance is particularly significant given the importance of water resources for both nations. The Indus River and its tributaries provide critical irrigation and drinking water to millions of people on both sides of the border. Any disruption could have severe economic and social implications.
In conclusion, while India continues to assert its position, the overwhelming consensus among experts is that it should respect the Hague court's ruling and work towards a cooperative solution with Pakistan. The IWT remains a vital instrument for managing water resources between the two nations, and its suspension would be counterproductive in resolving existing disputes.
