On January 21, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert declared competence to resolve differences between India and Pakistan regarding the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, under the Indus Water Treaty. The Neutral Expert rejected Pakistan’s plea to establish a Court of Arbitration, instead deciding to assess the Points of Difference on merit.
The MEA emphasized that India’s consistent position has been vindicated, asserting that the Neutral Expert alone has the authority under the treaty to address such issues. The Neutral Expert’s decision pertains to all seven questions raised about the hydroelectric projects.
In 2022, the World Bank had appointed a Neutral Expert and a chairman of the Court of Arbitration to address the disagreements over the 1960 Indus Water Treaty.