World Bank Distances Itself From Mediating in Indus Water Treaty Dispute Between Pakistan and India

A spokesperson for the World Bank has clarified the institution’s role in the Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, in response to a question from ProPakistani.

The spokesperson stated that while the World Bank is a signatory to the Treaty, its role is limited. Under the terms of the agreement, the World Bank’s responsibility is to appoint a Neutral Expert or assist in establishing a Court of Arbitration to resolve disputes, but only upon the request of either India or Pakistan.

The spokesperson further emphasized that as of the present time, the World Bank has not received any such request from either of the signatory nations.

This comes after the World Bank President Ajay Banga last week said the Indus Water Treaty cannot be suspended without Pakistan’s consent. He said there is no provision in the treaty to allow for suspension the way it was drawn up. It either needs to be gone, or replaced by another one, and that requires the two countries to want to agree.