India rejects Arbitration Award, reaffirms stand on Indus Waters Treaty
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, May 16, 2026: India has strongly rejected the latest pronouncement issued by what it described as an “illegally constituted” Court of Arbitration, reiterating that it does not recognise the body or any of its decisions.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media queries that the so-called Court of Arbitration (CoA) had recently issued an “award” related to maximum pondage under supplemental provisions linked to interpretations of the Indus Waters Treaty.
He stated that India has never accepted the establishment or authority of this arbitration body, and therefore any proceedings, rulings, or awards issued by it are considered “null and void.”
Reaffirming India’s position, the spokesperson added that the country’s decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains unchanged and continues to be in effect.
India has consistently maintained that it does not recognise the legitimacy of the forum in question and continues to uphold its stated position on the matter.