World Bank’s statement on Indus Waters Treaty leaves India baffled

What could be termed a big setback for India on the diplomatic front, the World Bank (WB) has made it clear that no country, either India or Pakistan, can unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.

In an interview with CNBC, WB President Ajay Banga has said that no section in the treaty allows either of these two countries to suspend the treaty unilaterally. 

However, he has said that there could either be an amendment in the agreement or the parties to it could withdraw from it with each other’s consent.  

Ajay has further said that the role of the WB in the treaty is basically that of a facilitator.  

On the other hand, defence experts have said that the WB president’s interview proves the point that India cannot walk away from the treaty without taking Pakistan on board, and that India’s act of suspending it is a grave violation of international law.  

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian occupied Kashmir, India had announced that it was suspending the treaty with Pakistan as a punishment to the latter for allegedly being involved in the incident.

The IWT is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, arranged and negotiated by the WB to use the water available in the Indus River and its tributaries.

It was signed in Karachi on 19 September 1960 by Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani president Ayub Khan. 

Reporter: Ahmad Mansoor