World Bank’s neutral expert validates India’s authority in water project disputes, boosting its position in Indus Water Treaty negotiations.

In Short:
- Neutral Expert backs India’s stance under the Indus Water Treaty.
- Decision pertains to Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects.
- India emphasizes resolution through Neutral Expert, rejecting Court of Arbitration.
- Verdict highlights India’s consistent approach to treaty provisions.
Table of Contents
What’s the News?
The Indus Water Treaty (IWT), a cornerstone agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, has once again taken center stage as a World Bank-appointed neutral expert validated India’s position on the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. This decision underscores India’s insistence on adhering to the treaty’s provisions for dispute resolution and marks a significant development in the long-standing water-sharing disagreements between the two nations.

India welcomed this verdict, asserting that it reaffirms its principled approach and commitment to the treaty’s sanctity. With tensions over water rights often fueling broader geopolitical rivalries, this decision is set to influence the dynamics of bilateral discussions moving forward.
The Indus Water Treaty: A Brief Overview

Signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation, the Indus Water Treaty aimed to ensure equitable water distribution between India and Pakistan. Under the treaty:
- India retained rights over the Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi).
- Pakistan was granted access to the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).
The treaty’s graded mechanism for resolving disputes has been both a pillar and a point of contention over the years.
The Core Dispute: Kishenganga and Ratle Projects
India’s construction of two hydroelectric projects—Kishenganga on the Jhelum tributary and Ratle on the Chenab—sparked objections from Pakistan, citing potential violations of the treaty. Pakistan initially sought the intervention of a Neutral Expert in 2015 but later unilaterally shifted its request to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague. India maintained that this action violated the treaty’s provisions and pursued its own request for a Neutral Expert.
Neutral Expert’s Decision: A Victory for India

On January 20, 2025, the Neutral Expert issued a decisive statement:
- Affirming his competence under Paragraph 7 of Annexure F of the treaty.
- Acknowledging India’s position that the seven technical differences fall within his purview.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed the decision, highlighting India’s consistent stance on resolving disputes through the Neutral Expert mechanism. This outcome paves the way for the next phase of deliberations, focusing on the merits of each issue.
India’s Consistent Approach
India has repeatedly emphasized the importance of preserving the treaty’s integrity by:
- Adhering to the Neutral Expert process.
- Rejecting parallel proceedings, such as those initiated by Pakistan in the PCA.
This principled approach aligns with India’s broader diplomatic strategy to uphold international agreements while addressing its developmental needs.
Implications for Bilateral Relations
The decision comes amid broader discussions on modifying the Indus Water Treaty. In recent years:
- India issued notices for “review” (2024) and “modification” (2023) of the treaty under Article XII (3).
- Both nations remain engaged in dialogues, albeit with differing priorities and interpretations.
This verdict strengthens India’s position in these negotiations, emphasizing its compliance with the treaty’s framework while advancing its hydropower projects.
Expert Opinions
Experts view this development as a landmark moment in the treaty’s history. Dr. Rajiv Sharma, a water policy analyst, remarked, “The Neutral Expert’s decision reinforces the procedural sanctity of the Indus Water Treaty. It’s a significant validation of India’s approach to balancing development and treaty obligations.”
Conversely, Pakistani commentators have raised concerns about the treaty’s perceived inequities, calling for greater international scrutiny.
6 Facts About the Indus Water Treaty Between India and Pakistan
1. Signed in 1960
- The treaty was signed in Karachi by Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru of India and Ayub Khan of Pakistan.
- It was designed to manage water sharing of six rivers in the Indus basin.
2. Brokered by the World Bank
- Initiated by the World Bank to reduce tensions after partition and potential conflicts over water.
- It is considered one of the most successful water-sharing treaties globally.
3. India’s Limited Use of the Rivers
- India has unrestricted use of the eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej), amounting to 20% of the basin.
- Pakistan controls the western rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum), which account for 80% of the water flow.
4. Permanent Indus Commission
- A commission facilitates the treaty by resolving disputes, exchanging data, and conducting inspections.
- The commission continues to meet regularly, even during periods of tension.
5. Treaty Survived Conflicts
- Despite wars and conflicts, the treaty has remained intact as a peace-building tool.
- Jammu and Kashmir, however, has demanded a reassessment due to limited water usage.
6. Controversies and Revisiting the Treaty
- India proposed revisiting the treaty after the Uri attack in 2016.
- Pakistan has expressed concerns about water shortages and India’s hydro-power projects on the western rivers.
What Lies Ahead?
The Neutral Expert will now proceed to evaluate the technical merits of the seven disputed issues. Key questions include:
- The impact of the Kishenganga project’s design on downstream flows.
- Compliance of the Ratle project with treaty stipulations.
India’s engagement in this process reflects its commitment to resolving disputes transparently and in accordance with international norms.
Conclusion:
The Neutral Expert’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the Indus Water Treaty’s history, underscoring the importance of adhering to established mechanisms for conflict resolution. As both nations navigate this complex issue, the focus remains on balancing developmental aspirations with cooperative water management. For Indian citizens, this development reaffirms the country’s principled approach to safeguarding its rights while respecting international agreements.
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FAQ’s
1. What are the main points of the Indus Water Treaty?
The treaty allocates the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan, giving control of the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) to Pakistan, while ensuring cooperation through a Permanent Indus Commission.
2. What was the Indus Water Treaty 1960 between?
The treaty was an agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank, to manage water sharing of the Indus River system.
3. Which river was given to India under the Indus Water Treaty?
India was allocated the full usage of the eastern rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
4. Who was the PM of Pakistan during the Indus Water Treaty?
The Prime Minister of Pakistan during the treaty was Mohammad Ayub Khan.