The Indus Water Treaty, long considered a rare success in international diplomacy as it survived two wars and even the Kargil conflict, was unilaterally put into abeyance by the Narendra Modi–led BJP government on 23 April 2025, a day after gunmen opened fire in Pahalgam killing 26 civilians.

Since then, India has stopped observing all mechanisms of consultations, inspections, and data-sharing established under the treaty. Before this suspension, disputes over the Kishanganga and Ratle Hydropower Projects had already been referred to two parallel forums

• At India’s request, the World Bank appointed a Neutral Expert.
• At Pakistan’s request, the World Bank set up a Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

Both forums are conducting parallel proceedings, though each country is boycotting the forum requested by the other. On 8 August 2025, the PCA issued a verdict on key interpretative issues, clearing the way for it to proceed with adjudicating the Kishanganga and Ratle disputes. India has rejected the PCA’s jurisdiction, but the PCA unanimously declared that India’s rejection has no effect on the legality of its ruling.

In this exclusive conversation, journalist Mandeep Singh speaks with Sikh Siyasat editor Parmjeet Singh Gazi to deeply analyze these developments. The discussion covers:

• Can the PCA legally adjudicate the Kishanganga and Ratle disputes?
• What does the 8th August PCA verdict actually say?
• Will the PCA’s final award be legally valid if India does not participate?
• How will India’s non-participation impact the proceedings?
• What balance does the PCA strike between its role and that of the Neutral Expert?
• What steps has India taken after putting the treaty in abeyance?• Which dams is India flushing monthly, and which projects have been accelerated?
• India’s reported plans to divert water from the Western rivers.
• India and Pakistan’s reactions to the 8 August PCA verdict.
• Pakistan’s response to reports that India may reduce flows to Pakistan.
• What Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir said in the US about India’s dam-building on Western rivers.

With water security at the heart of South Asia’s stability, the Indus dispute is no longer just about legal forums — it is now about peace, conflict, and the possibility of war.

Watch the full analysis, understand the stakes for South Asia’s water security, and share with others.