THE HAGUE: An international arbitration tribunal has instructed India to provide operational records of hydropower projects built on rivers flowing into Pakistan, marking a key procedural step in an ongoing water dispute between the two neighbours.
In an order issued by the Hague-based court, India was directed to submit operational logbooks of the Baglihar and Kishanganga projects by February 9, 2026. The tribunal said New Delhi would be required to formally explain any failure to comply.
The court noted that the pondage logbooks are directly relevant to the case and are essential for determining permissible storage levels under treaty provisions.
The tribunal also clarified that only the arbitration panel holds authority to grant interim relief, rejecting claims that a neutral expert could issue such measures.
Pakistan has been asked to specify by February 2, 2026, which additional documents it seeks as part of the proceedings. Hearings on the merits of the case are scheduled for February 2 and 3 in The Hague.
According to officials, a high-level Pakistani delegation led by the Attorney General will travel to the Netherlands for the hearings. The team will include Pakistan’s Indus Waters Commissioner Syed Mehr Ali Shah, along with diplomatic representatives and international legal advisers.
Islamabad maintains that India has misused hydropower provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, arguing that the projects undermine Pakistan’s water rights.
