India has expressed satisfaction with the Neutral Expert’s decision under the Indus Waters Treaty, affirming its position on the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Tuesday that the Neutral Expert, in a January 20, 2025 press release, confirmed his competence to address the seven issues raised regarding these projects.
The MEA emphasized that the Neutral Expert’s ruling aligns with India’s consistent view that these differences fall solely within his authority under the Treaty. With this competence affirmed, the Neutral Expert will proceed to evaluate the merits of the seven issues, leading to a final decision in due course.
Reiterating its commitment to the integrity of the Indus Waters Treaty, India pledged continued participation in the Neutral Expert process to ensure compliance with the Treaty’s provisions. The MEA also clarified that the Treaty does not allow parallel proceedings on the same matters, rejecting the legitimacy of the Court of Arbitration initiated elsewhere.
Additionally, the MEA highlighted that India and Pakistan are in discussions about modifying and reviewing the Indus Waters Treaty under Article XII (3). This reflects a commitment to maintaining dialogue while addressing disputes in a manner consistent with the Treaty’s framework.
