Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects

Context

India rejected the supplemental award by the Court of Arbitration on Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, saying that it “never recognised” the Court of Arbitration, which is a “serious breach” of the Indus Waters Treaty, which has been put “at abeyance” after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

Recent Dispute: Kishenganga and Ratle Hydropower Projects

These Projects are located in Jammu and Kashmir, on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers (Western rivers).
Pakistan raised objections to the design and technical aspects of these projects, alleging violations of the Indus Water treaty provisions.
Pakistan approached the World Bank to establish a Court of Arbitration to resolve these technical disputes.
India’s position:
- India’s stance regarding this Court of Arbitration was that it was a “unilateral action” by Pakistan to approach the World Bank.
- India has never recognised the legitimacy of the Court of Arbitration, calling it an “illegal” body.
- The MEA reminded that after the Pahalgam terror attack, India has exercised “its rights as a sovereign nation under international law” and placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.

Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):

Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank.
It allocates waters of the Indus River system:
- Eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi) to India.
- Western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan.
Establishes a mechanism for dispute resolution through bilateral talks, a Permanent Indus Commission, or neutral experts, with the Court of Arbitration as a last resort.