Major setback for Pakistan regarding the Indus Waters Treaty: Pakistan is now even paying India’s legal fees in the ‘court’—here is the full story.


The moves of the neighboring country Pakistan regarding the Indus Water Treaty are having a heavy impact on it. Pakistan, which has been trying to trap India in the water dispute for years, has now itself fallen into the same trap. According to the latest information, now Pakistan itself has to bear the expenses of the ongoing legal battle in the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which also includes the legal expenses incurred by India. This is being considered a major diplomatic victory for India at the international level.

Reverse effect of Pakistan’s ‘counterfeiting’

In fact, under the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan had approached the International Court regarding the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects. Pakistan’s intention was to create obstacles in India’s projects, but India had made it clear from the beginning that it was working only within the rules of the treaty. The legal process started after Pakistan demanded unilateral arbitration, the entire financial burden of which is now falling on Pakistan’s coffers. International legal experts say that this is a big lesson for Pakistan that trying to corner India on international forums without solid basis is costing it dearly.

India’s stand remained clear and firm

India has always clarified that the Kishanganga and Ratle projects are fully in accordance with the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty. India has always been cautious in associating with these forums because India believes that these disputes should be resolved through mutual negotiations or through neutral experts as specified in the treaty. When Pakistan bypassed this process and approached the court, it became its responsibility to pay the expenses under the legal procedures.

Strategic victory and the way to the future

This development not only shows India’s diplomatic and legal strength, but also proves how strong India’s position is on international forums. This action of Pakistan has made it a country in front of the world which is worsening its economic condition only to stop the development of India. Now it remains to be seen whether Pakistan brings any change in its attitude towards the Indus Water Treaty after this legal trouble or not. At present, India is moving forward with full confidence in its water projects and is keeping national interest paramount despite any international pressure.