The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has ruled that India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, delivering what Pakistan described as a major legal victory. The unanimous decision by the five-member tribunal said the 1960 treaty remains in force and India must meet its obligations, including those concerning the design and operation of hydropower projects on rivers flowing to Pakistan. The ruling was issued on Monday.

India announced in April 2025 that it was suspending the treaty after a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people. New Delhi said the suspension would continue until Pakistan stopped supporting cross-border terrorism, an allegation Pakistan has denied. India rejected the tribunal's jurisdiction from the outset and did not participate in hearings held at the Peace Palace from April 26 to 28, 2026.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the decision and said India must comply with treaty obligations and dispute-settlement decisions. India called the court illegally constituted and maintained its suspension stance. The ruling has no direct enforcement mechanism, leaving Pakistan largely dependent on diplomatic pressure in international forums if India refuses compliance.