Blow to Pakistan as International Court upholds India’s right on Kishanganga project

The International Court of Arbitration at The Hague on Monday upheld India’s right to divert water from the Kishanganga hydroelectric project (KHEP).

Pakistan has been objecting to the construction of the hydroelectric project on the Kishanganga river in Kashmir, which is called Neelum upon entering Pakistan.

India welcomed the order, asserting that it reaffirmed New Delhi’s position that the project adhered to the Indus Waters Treaty.

“The award of the Court of Arbitration at the Hague today reaffirms the validity of India’s position regarding the KHEP by allowing diversion of water from the KHEP as envisaged by India. It highlights once again that India is adhering to all the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin. He added that the details of the award were being examined.

Pakistan had dragged India to the arbitration court, claiming that the 330 MW power project was in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty that prohibits any storage of water.

The power project is under construction by the National Hydro Power Corporation on Kishanganga, a tributary of the Jhelum river.