The Hague: (RightNow) The International Court of Arbitration has ordered India to comply with the Indus Water Treaty and halt work on hydroelectric projects. The court rejected India’s unilateral suspension of the treaty.

The court stated that the Indus Water Treaty remains in effect and India must fulfill its legal obligations. India is required to adhere to the terms regarding the design and operation of hydroelectric projects on its western rivers.

The Pakistani government welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing that India must meet its treaty obligations. Pakistan maintains that there is no legal basis for suspending the treaty.

This decision is significant as the Indus Water Treaty is a permanent agreement for water distribution between the two countries. Implementation of the treaty could reduce tensions between India and Pakistan.

It is noteworthy that India unilaterally suspended the Indus Water Treaty last year, prompting a strong reaction from Pakistan. The treaty was brokered by the World Bank in 1960.